Jonathan Edwards was awarded the Gold Medal of Achievement to become the 4060 Royal Ranger to receive this prestigious award nationwide. He was presented the GMA by District Commander, Wesley Harmon, in a banquet held at his church, First Assembly of God in Meridian, Mississippi, on August 28, 2001.

Senior Commander, Pete Manley was responsible for the ceremony that included a meal, a special video presentation, congratulations by members of his family and a word from his Pastor, Bob Null. Jonathan's Grandfather, Bill Banks, shared a testimony and admonished Jonathan in future endeavors. Friends and family as well as members of the District Staff were in attendance. Jonathan joins an elite group of 21 young men to earn the GMA here in Mississippi.

The Gold Medal of Achievement (GMA) is the highest award a boy can earn in Royal Rangers. To qualify, the boy must have completed all of the requirements for the Trailblazer program, 17 required merits, 10 merits of their choice, read the entire leaders manual and write a 500 word theme on What Royal Rangers Means to Me. They also have to sit before a GMA Review Board. The requirements will change somewhat when the new program kicks-in in 2002.

There are a number of other rangers in the District who are set to receive their GMA. Several have just a few requirements. Benjamin and Patrick Mortenson have completed all their requirements and have been submitted to the National Office. Plans are underway for a ceremony in their honor at a banquet on November 17th.

Applications for the Gold Medal of Achievement can be downloaded from the National Royal Rangers web site. While there, you can also check out the new plan for earning the GMA.