Without question, my proudest achievement to date is attaining the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of seventeen, earning forty-three merit badges along the way. As an active member of the Boys Scouts of America program since age four, I began in Cub Scout Pack 85 and eventually crossed over to West Cape Volunteer Fire Company Boy Scout Troop 73. Troop 73 was extremely fortunate to have exceptional Scout leaders and role models such as Lt. Col. Eugene Sole (Ret.) and my father, David I. Von Savage, who inspired Troop 73 scouts to become leaders in our community. A special mayoral citation to our troop in 2010 for "exceptional display of volunteerism" in manning emergency winter shelters is just one example over the years of Troop 73's spirit and hard work. All in all, I have participated in over fifty campouts, volunteered in over a hundred fundraising drives and community events, and assisted troop leaders and fellow scouts in countless meetings and activities by taking on all leadership positions. One of the highlights of my Scouting experience was a 2010 summer excursion to Philmont Scout Reservation, a two week wilderness training in the mountains of New Mexico, where I met and overcame the many physical and mental challenges that are presented in such a unique outdoor survival experience.
