Boy Scout program positively impacts sophomore

Every month The Feather highlights one individual from the student body who demonstrates exemplary character and or admirable dedication to classes or extracurricular activities. Teachers choose those who display the before mentioned characteristics in the classroom setting. The objective of the following article is to honor the effort of students to live by Caleb Code Standards: Seek Truth, Speak Life, Serve Others.

January’s Featured Student is Jacob Avedian,’18, recommended by art and home economics teacher, Sharon Scharf. Scharf says Avedian displays a servant’s heart and strong ability to work well with others.

“Jacob Avedian is a student who encourages other students, is a great team worker, and always strives to do his very best,” Scharf said. “He has helped me out with helping the other students in the class with ‘one on one’ assignments that he understands.  He has a quiet, gentle spirit which is a joy to have in the classroom.”

This marks Avedian’s first year back at FC since the third grade.  On campus he is a member of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) and Home-Ec.  He says he appreciates and misses the unique atmosphere at FC.

“It’s really great, some of my friends and people I knew are still here, so it made getting to know people a lot easier,” Avedian said. “Also I forgot just how amazing and different FC is from many other schools. The people here are so kind and welcoming. I am just really happy to be back.”

In addition to the balance of his studies, Avedian and his family hold a youth group for 6-ll year old boys at their local Salvation Army. This allows parents to attend the organization’s Bible ministries.

Avedian says his family felt inspired to start the youth group after the identification of a need in the area. He finds joy in the happiness of the children involved.

We live near downtown so it was one of the areas we noticed needed a lot of help. We looked at the pack there and we noticed there wasn’t a lot of structure to it. The kids there are really underprivileged and they don’t have a lot of opportunities that we have in the northern end of Fresno. A lot of people when they come to the meetings it’s the only time of the week that they have the chance to actually have fun. It makes us happy to see the smiles on their faces. — Jacob Avedian

“We live near downtown so it was one of the areas we noticed needed a lot of help,” Avedian said. “We looked at the pack there and we noticed there wasn’t a lot of structure to it. The kids there are really underprivileged and they don’t have a lot of opportunities that we have in the northern end of Fresno. A lot of people when they come to the meetings it’s the only time of the week that they have the chance to actually have fun. It makes us happy to see the smiles on their faces.”

Avedian also works alongside his family in the nursery on Saturday nights at Northside Church and helps his mother run a cubscout pact.  This requires much time out of Aviedian’s schedule however he says service on behalf of others is worth the time.

“Something my mom always says is ‘there’s always someone in a worst off situation than us’ so we like to help out,” Avedian said. “Everyone can help and it’s amazing to see that even people who are homeless can help out other people.  It doesn’t matter how little you have. “

For the last six years, Avedian engaged in the Boy Scout Program.  Currently, he is in the process of obtaining the highest level of the program, Eagle Scout.

Avedian is also a member of the Boy Scout honors society, Order of the arrow. Scout members of the age 14-19 must spend a total of 15 nights camping, obtain a rank of first class or higher and receive election from peers in order to receive consideration for the society.

Avedian says his determination to persevere over more than half a decade resulted from the benefits of the organization and the valuable skills he learned through the process.

“I have been in scouting for six years now,” Avedian said. “The biggest reason I have stuck with it is because it offers opportunities like nothing else. I get to go camping almost every month and have learned survival skills and leadership skills from it.”

Outside of scouting and service work, Avedian enjoys baking, art and playing the piano.

Avedian remains undecided about a future major or profession however, he wishes to attend UC Davis after graduation.

Mother, Jennifer Avedian, says  Jacob  is both hard working and fun loving. She expresses much pride in the accomplishments and character of her son.

“Jacob is one part artist, one part clown and one part leader,” Avedian said. ” He has always kept me on my toes–one moment he is driving me crazy because of  his clowning around and the next I am beaming with pride at his ability to lead others. I know that Jacob will be successful in most anything he chooses, but what I really hope is that he can see the hidden opportunities that arise from his failures. ”

Interesting Facts about Jacob Avedian

• He likes Star Wars and the Hunger Games.
• His favorite animal is a turtle (He has two, Lily and Sheldon).
• If he could have any super power it would be telekinesis because he could basically do anything.

For more featured students, read Featured Student: Joshua Savage pursues passion for art.

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @skylerklee and via Email: Skyler Lee.