This week’s spotlight features another member of the inaugural female class, Melody Fewx. Melody attended James Logan High School, where she earned eight varsity letters and was named Summa Cum Laude. She is now studying selective Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology at UC Riverside. Melody has not only earned the highest rank in Scouting BSA, but has also achieved the highest rank in Venturing, the Summit Rank.
“Being an Eagle Scout means that I am a devoted and capable servant leader. It means that I have a duty to myself, others, and my nation to follow and uphold the morals and ethics I have been taught everyday in order to make the world a better place.”
Meoldy Fewx
Are there other Scouting or Non-Scouting awards or recognitions you would like to mention?
Summit Rank (First and only in SFBAC)
4-year Superintendant’s Honor Roll
8 Varsity Letters in Cross Country and Track and Field
Council and Area Venturing Leadership Award
Venturing Quest Award
North Coast Sectional Scholar-Athlete for Varsity Track and Field- Long Distance
English Language Arts Department Award for AP Literature
Golden State Seal Merit Award
President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence
Principal’s Award for Academic Achievement
Summa Cum Laude of James Logan High School’s Graduating Class of 2020, 884 Students
Brotherhood Honor in Order of the Arrow
Eagle Fact
The Venturing Leadership Award is presented by councils, areas, regions, and the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America to Venturers and Venturing Advisors who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing and who exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Tell us a little bit about you…
Fremont, California but now Fullerton, California for school
I graduated from James Logan High School in Union City last June and now I attend University of California, Riverside as a Sophomore (through transfer credit) in the selective Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology major.
I work for Independent Options Inc. as a Caregiver to Adults with Intellectual Disabilities with severe medical needs, however, the goal is to become a doctor or go into medical research.
I am still very active in Scouting through Venturing, Order of the Arrow, and various committees. I hope to start my own unit or become a commissioner one day!
My sister and brother both earned Eagle Scout within the same year as me. My sister is also in the inaugural class and I am grateful to have been able to do it alongside her.
When and where do you earn your Eagle Scout?
I was 18 when I earned my Eagle. I was part of Crew 176 in Fremont, San Francisco Bay Area Council as well as Crew 727 in Brea, Orange County Council when I did.
What did you do for your Eagle Project?
I renovated a low-income elementary school’s garden and assisted in developing a “kindness campaign” which I contributed to by making a pathway in the garden with the word for kindness in 60 different languages!
Did you have a favorite merit badge(s)? Did any merit badges(s) lead to a hobby or profession?
My favorite merit badge was Environmental Science, but by that time I had already developed a passion for Biology through school and Venturing! Many of the merit badges I was awarded, I earned while teaching them at summer camp, so I knew the information well enough already. However, a combination of First Aid Merit Badge, Wilderness First Aid training, and the various other medical trainings/advancement definitely drove me more towards the medical side of Biology. Also, I did the Disability Awareness Merit Badge after my volunteering at my high school’s special olympics program and my father’s troop which has some special need scouts and now I work with people with special needs and disabilities every day!
What does being an Eagle Scout mean to you? What does it mean to be a part of the Inaugural class of Female Eagle Scouts?
Being an Eagle Scout means that I am a devoted and capable servant leader. It means that I have a duty to myself, others, and my nation to follow and uphold the morals and ethics I have been taught everyday in order to make the world a better place. It also means that I am a role-model and mentor with the responsibility to share the knowledge others taught me in my journey with the next generation of future leaders. Being part of the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts means that I am a groundbreaker and history maker, paving the way for future Scouts to find a place where they belong and can learn and grow safely.
Do you recall an experience or situation that being or becoming an Eagle Scout aided you in?
My entire experience in Scouting has given me so many skills that have been useful in every aspect of my life. One situation that being an Eagle Scout aided me with was perseverance when everyone in my workplace got COVID-19. There were many moments when others would have backed down or not know what to do, but because I had practice leading, providing medical care, and challenging myself, I was able to make it through that month.
What is the greatest personal asset you developed while earning your Eagle Scout or from being an Eagle in the greater community? How has this asset contributed towards personal fulfillment and success in your professional or personal life?
I would say the greatest personal asset I developed was confidence in myself and others. I have always had trouble trusting myself and others, being in a troop setting where I had to rely on my fellow Scouts to work out problems and get things done really helped me develop this trust and confidence. Due to my time in Scouting, I know my limits and I know when they can be pushed. I also know how to guage other people to help build an effective team dynamic where everyone is happy.
Do you have any advice for your fellow Eagles, or for those working towards becoming an Eagle? Or is there common advice that you think should be ignored?
Two things: don’t give up and it is about the journey, not the award. Many people are going to tell you that you are not capable or that you won’t make it, but this is not true if you don’t let it be! Don’t be blinded by the prize, take your time and absorb the knowledge that comes your way.
If you could add a thirteenth point to the scout law, what would it be?
If I could add a thirteenth point to the law, it would be resilience. Every Scout has shown that no matter the circumstance, we can carry on and it is definitely a key component of every Scouts journey.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers?
Take every opportunity you can! With each new journey, you will gain new skills, meet new people, and expand your horizons. You may end up in a place you thought you’d never be and it may surprise you to find that you are perfectly happy with it!
