SUPERINTENDENT SPEAKS of his own Boy Scout experiences during campaign launch

The Mahican District Boy Scouts of America held a meet and greet for Taylor Schools Supt. Ben Williams March 23 at the Lakes of Taylor Golf Course banquet facilities

The BSA has a goal of starting at least one new pack in each of the Taylor Schools this year.

Supt. Williams, a former Boy Scout, talked at length about the organization's importance in his life.

"Scouting taught me to be confident," he told the crowd of about 50, including Cub Scouts from Myers Elementary School. "I wasn't confident as a child, but getting involved in Boy Scouts changed that. And it taught me that if you don't succeed, you try again."

He told the crowd that his ties with BSA were also important because his family moved around so much.

"It gave me a set of friends, and we learned together," he said. "If I moved, I always had the Boy Scouts, and a new set of friends. I always had a network through scouting.

"Now that I'm in education, that's what I like about scouting -- the family piece. We like to promote that in our schools, and scouting promotes that in its organization."

Supt. Williams was one of several people to speak. He was introduced by Blaine Honeycutt, Board of Education president. Others attending from the Taylor Schools included Truman Principal Melissa Skopczynski, Blair Moody Principal Michelle Hernandez and and Myers Principal Tamara Jones-Jackson.

Justin Williams, COO of the Great Lakes Field Service Council of the BSA, pointed out that the group is serving 25,000 individuals in the tri-county area and is growing -- it's one of only 10 councils in the nation to earn a gold rating for 10 percent growth.

"We want to serve 100 percent of youth in our area," he said. "I know that's a lofty goal, but we're growing the program by 20 percent."

Aiding interest in the BSA are programs like "Exploring," which connects BSA members to possible career paths, and initiatives focusing on STEM programming.

Last year, the council had a record year for Eagle Scouts.

Representing the City of Taylor was Assessor Jerry Markey, a former Scout and now scoutmaster. His own son, Joshua, is an Eagle. Markey talked to the crowd about how simple projects like learning how to sell popcorn leave a lasting impression on youth, when it comes to leadership and credibility.

Anyone interested in scouting should call (313) 361-1269 or (313) 361-1284.

Also in attendance were Brownstown Township Clerk Brian Peters, Wayne County Commissioner Ray Basham, State Rep. Erika Geiss, Beacon Baptist Church's John Reilly, Wayne County Community College Downriver District President Anthony Arminiak and Jim Williams of the Southern Wayne County Chamber of Commerce