Laura Mikulik knows in her heart that her beloved late husband Ron would be incredibly proud of their son Adam, who is currently earning his Eagle Scout rank, the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America.
To earn Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout must fulfill leadership, service, and outdoor skills requirements. Each scout must also undertake fund-raising and organize and recruit volunteers to complete an approved Eagle Scout project benefiting the church, school, or community.
“Ron always told me he regretted not completing his Eagle Scout rank,” she recalled. “He had some wonderful experiences growing up as a Boy Scout and wanted the same for our son Adam. We lost my husband in 2021, and Adam wants to obtain his Eagle Scout rank in his late father’s honor.”
Laura and her son Adam, 15, are parishioners at St. Pius X and were among the over 40 Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and adult Scout volunteers from throughout the Diocese who received awards and honors during a ceremony held Sunday, June 4 at the Corpus Christi Cathedral.
“Scouting provides our Catholic youth the unique opportunity to grow their faith and love of God while learning about leadership, camping and other life skills,” said Jesus Garza, Jr., Chairman of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting.
“Our awards emphasize the wide variety of Catholic-centered projects and activities scouts can participate in, focusing on the Rosary, our Mother Mary and American saints,” he added. “There are plenty of inspiring ways we help our youth better understand and strengthen their Catholic faith through scouting activities.”
The St. George Emblem was awarded to Laura Mikulik for her many years of significant contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in Scouting in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
“I’m humbled with this honor, but I don’t volunteer for recognition. I believe in giving back to others as much as I can. Our youth are the future, and if we don’t show them now how to become great leaders, there’s no way we can expect them to be better than us someday,” she said.
Vicar General Father James G. Stembler presided over the ceremony. After a representative from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts each participated in the reading of scripture, he gave some words of advice for the young people being honored.
“As Catholics, it’s a beautiful thing what we do and what we believe in. I hope your experience in Scouts will always help you remember the importance of working together. Continue to encourage one another, and let us all live in peace together,” he said.
Adam Mikulik, with Troop 157, earned two recognitions: the Pope Pius XII Award and Pillars of Faith. A Scout since first grade at St. Pius X Catholic School, Mikulik said the best part of his scouting days is the lifelong friends and memories he has made throughout his childhood and into young adulthood.
“The brotherhood I have formed with my fellow scouts over the last nine years has given me the feeling of being with family. I will always have friends I can rely on, talk to and laugh with, thanks to the Boy Scouts,” he said.
For more information on participating in future Catholic Scouting opportunities, visit the National Catholic Committee at www.CatholicScouting.com or contact Laura Bell, communications chair with the local Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, at 361-799-0799.