April 22, 2005

Evergreen Eagle Scout earns ‘Heroes of America’ award

President Bush recognizes Gregory Cuadros

President George Bush recently named Gregory Cuadros, Eagle Scout from Troop 251 and former Venture Crew 251 president, as one of the first 200 young people in America answering his call to volunteer.

Evergreen resident and “Heroes of America” award recipient Gregory Cuadros poses with Bishop Patrick McGrath.

This Evergreen resident received the “Heroes of America” award at the Santa Clara Council dinner in recognition of this honor and, in conjunction, earned a special volunteer service award at the Catholic Religious Recognition Ceremony for Scouts on March 13.

Caudros’s initiation into this distinguished group of youth recognized his outstanding involvement in scouting, volunteer community service and work with the Catholic Church.

He logged more than 300 hours of service during his senior year at Bellarmine College Preparatory, participating in a variety of programs in Santa Clara County such as InnVision, Sacred Heart Community Services and Second Harvest Food Bank.

“My years in scouting have been great—I owe my life to scouting,” said Cuadros. “It has taught me how to be humble and mature. The knowledge and leadership has molded me into the man I am today. I just hope I can give back to scouting what it has given me. I met my best friends through scouting, over the last few years, in Troop 251, and especially the Jaguar Patrol. Matt, Tim, David, Brian Feetham and Kevin are now all Eagles.”

Besides his leadership roles for the troop and crew, Cuadros served as a member of the Santa Clara County Catholic Scouting Committee and as the first Boy Scout representative for the San Jose Diocese Youth Advisory Board, attending the National Catholic Youth Conference in Houston.

Cuadros exemplifies what it means to use his gifts to help others by living the scout slogan, “Do a good turn daily.”

He donated time as a youth minister at his Evergreen parish, St. Francis of Assisi. After knee surgery kept him from competing, he worked as a student assistant for Bellarmine’s Track and Field team.

Gregory Cuadros poses with San Jose Police Chief Rob Davis, a former Eagle Scout.

“It felt good doing those service hours, I don’t do them for the recognition, I do them because I know it is the right thing to do,” said Cuadros. “ I enjoyed working with the other ministers at St. Francis and at the Diocese.  Being a representative at the NCYC Conference was amazing!  I met people from all across the United States who I
still keep in contact with.”

Cuadros, is currently a freshman at Dominican University of California in San Rafael, majoring in sports psychology, with a minor in sports management.

“We are very grateful for the foundation, guidance and leadership skills scouting has allowed Gregory to experience,” said Patricia Cuadros, Gregory’s mom. “We are proud that he is generous with his time and talents!”

Expanding volunteerism
The United States Freedom Corps is an office of the White House started by President Bush to expand volunteer services around the United States. The award recognizes volunteers who have made a significant commitment to strengthening the nation and making a difference in their community.

In January 2003, President Bush also created the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The council is chaired by Washington Redskins legend Darrell Green and co-chaired by former Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn.

At the president’s direction, the council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize people of all ages who are dedicated to helping others.