March 18th - Eagle Scout from Fresno Designs Top-Winning Logo

Eagle Scout from Fresno Designs Top-Winning Logo to Become Part of Scouting, American History; Others Honored

FRESNO, Calif. – March 18, 2008 – Today, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), the Sequoia Area Council, and the community of Fresno, Calif., are recognizing the 17-year-old winner of the BSA’s 100th Anniversary Logo Contest. Eagle Scout Philip Goolkasian’s design was selected from more than 4,000 contest entries submitted from around the world.

Goolkasian’s design will be featured on scores of official celebration materials, becoming a historic BSA icon for generations to come. The anniversary celebration gets under way this year, and continues through 2010. The BSA turns 100 on Feb. 8, 2010.

“Philip’s design was chosen because it does an excellent job of integrating the traditional elements of Scouting in to a design that’s new and modern,” said Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca. “We are honored that Scouts from all over our great country, and many overseas who are with their families serving our country in the military, submitted a wonderful array of logos and supporting essays, each characteristic of the special spirit and wonderful enthusiasm of the youth who participate in our programs.”

“Scouting has had a wonderful impact on my life, ever since my father taught me the Scout Law at the age of five,” said Goolkasian, who has earned 34 merit badges. “I’m so honored to be able to contribute to this Boy Scout milestone because I know that Scouting is going to continue to play an important role for me and my family now, and in the future.” Goolkasian’s father, Todd, is an Eagle Scout and volunteer leader, and his two younger brothers also participate in Scouting.

Last month, Goolkasian traveled to San Francisco to work with nationally renowned designer, Eagle Scout, and contest judge, Kit Hinrichs for the finalization of the logo design. Hinrichs volunteered his time to judge the logo contest entries and work with the winner at his Pentagram Design office.

“Even in its simplicity, Philip’s design is sophisticated for his young age,” said Hinrichs. “He overcomes a common challenge for creating a good logo, and that is to incorporate all the necessary elements in a strong and concise way. He captures the essence of Boy Scouts and the 100th Anniversary.”

BSA RECOGNIZES NATIONAL CONTEST WINNER

In addition to Goolkasian as the overall contest winner, winners were honored in each category, based on the different Scout programs. Included is an excerpt from the essay that accompanied their logo entry.

·       Cub Scout: Rigoberto Ugarte, Inland Empire Council, BSA, Pack 204, Chino, Calif.

    Rigo is 10 years old, and in 5th grade at E.J. Marshall Elementary School. In addition to Scouting, he loves playing soccer. In Rigo’s contest essay, he said,  “Honor, and the Scout Law still retain its meaning today as it did in 1910.”

·       Boy Scout: Logan Shirah, Atlanta Area Council, BSA, Troop 77, Tucker, Ga. Logan is 15 years old, and a freshman at Lakeside High School. He enjoys creating artwork, and playing soccer and the guitar. In Logan’s contest essay, he said, “Even after 100 years the Boy Scouts of America is still active and even more influential than in 1910. It shows that the spirit, or heart of the first Boy Scout still lives in every Boy Scout today.”

·       Venturer: Andrew Fishel, W. D. Boyce Council, Crew 6318, Morton, Ill. Andrew is a 16-year-old sophomore at Morton High School whose hobbies include graphic design and playing in the school band. In Andrew’s contest essay, he said, “Above, the sun is shown with the fleur-de-lis and eagle brilliantly lighting the sky, symbolizing Scouting’s great ideals and the Scout's perpetual journey to meet and uphold them.”

·       Goolkasian is the Eagle Scout category winner. This spring he will graduate from San Joaquin Memorial High School as class valedictorian. In addition to his extensive involvement in Scouting, Philip is a talented piano player. In Philip’s contest essay, he said, “Nation, Outdoors, Tradition – these are the three basic ideas of the Boy Scouts of America. This logo design attempts to capture the true essence of these three concepts.”

A panel of eleven judges reviewed the contest entries. In addition to Hinrichs, judges included professional Scouters, an Eagle Scout, well-known Scouting artist Joe Csatari, and experts from the Smithsonian and Gerald R. Ford Museum. More information about the logo contest judges can be found at www.scouting.org/100years.

First incorporated in February 1910, BSA is known for the motto “Be Prepared.” “In keeping with that spirit of preparation, the organization is planning a broad, purpose-driven 100th Anniversary celebration to honor the past and to reinforce the important role Scouting will play in shaping the country’s future,” Mazzuca said. “For 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has created a strong foundation of leadership, service, and community for millions of America’s youth. Scouting has brought families and communities together for 100 years to prepare America’s youth to live, work, and play with character and integrity. Scouting is as vital and relevant today as it was when our journey began.”

More information about the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th Anniversary can be found at www.scouting.org/100years.