Seven earn the rank of Eagle Scout...

Seven earn the rank of Eagle Scout

Seven Boy Scouts in a small Huntington Beach troop earned their

Eagle Scout rank.

“I’ve seen them mature, learn to get along and to lead,” said

Jeannie Chow, member of the troop’s parent committee.

To earn such an honor, the boys had to earn 21 merit badges,

fulfill community service requirements and demonstrate the

characteristics and special qualities of a Boy Scout, she said.

Those honored were Drew Peterson, Matthew Knust-Graichen, Brian

William Webb, Matthew Dean, Tim Chow, Jack Hauck and Michael Maghy.

It is the conclusion of the work and life skills built over many

years. For most of the boys, it took five or six years with the

troop, she said.

Merit badges are earned in the areas of personal management, water

skills, first aid and physical fitness. Scouts must be active in

outings, fund-raising and service, and they should be helpful to

others including the younger scouts.

Also, Chow said they should learn and follow the scout motto, “Be

prepared for whatever happens.”

Seniors write and share life stories

In culmination of the Huntington Beach Adult School’s life story

class, students will share stories and poems during An Evening of

Life Stories on Wednesday.

The class, which is held at the Michael E. Rodgers Seniors’

Center, is made up of seniors ranging in age 65 to 95 with a lot of

life experiences to share, said Randy Pesqueira, acting supervisor of

senior services.

“I think everyone should write their life story at some point,” he

said. “It keeps people active and makes them honor their past.”

With the recent budget crisis, this class is one of many that may

be eliminated in the future as a result of the cuts taking place,

Pesqueira said.

“Classes for seniors are all in jeopardy,” he said.

The evening is a celebration, giving seniors a chance to present

and share their experiences with friends, family and the public, he

said.

It will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Michael E.

Rodgers Seniors’ Center, 1706 Orange Ave., Huntington Beach.

Hebrew Academy renewed until 2009

The Hebrew Academy in Huntington Beach received highest

accreditation given from the Western Assn. of Schools and Colleges,

renewing its current accreditation until the year 2009.

“It is an incredible place, with a warm, nurturing and extended

family atmosphere,” said Principal Nancy Field.

The evaluation involved a year and a half self-study by faculty

members and staff in the areas of organization for student learning,

growth for students and personal development, curriculum and

instruction and resources.

A four-day visit by four public and private religious school

educators completed the process.

“The reading and language arts program is very strong,” Field

said. “The science program is all hands on, experiential learning.”

The process confirms that the Hebrew Academy, which has been

accredited since it was founded more than 30 years ago, maintains its

high level of standards, she said.