Pepper, White and Smathers Earn Top Honors at 2001 Ranger of the Year Testing Rangers of the Year are (left to right) Challenger, Justin Smathers; Pioneer, Colby Pepper; and Trailblazer, Michael White. A rainy weekend didn't dampen the spirits of the 18 boys who participated in the District Ranger of the Year testing. The testing was held on March 2-3 at the Ranger Trails Campground. The much anticipated trip to The Park had to be canceled but the boys made the best of it by playing pool, Chinese ping-pong and all the pizza they could eat. The testing began Saturday morning after a hearty breakfast and a message by Section 6 Commander, Ted Crotwell. Testing consisted of a written test, oral interview, skills test, uniform inspection and Ranger of the Year notebooks. District Public Relations Coordinator, David Case, was responsible for organizing the event and preparing the test. He was assisted in writing the test by Mike Heck, Kelvin Dykes and Pete Manley. "All of the boys did excellent," said District Commander, Wesley Harmon. "All are winners in our eyes. The scoring was very close. Only a few points separated each boy from the top spot. I am very proud of these boys. Several were back again from last year's competition, and that says a lot about their character." Justin Smathers was a winner again this year, this time as the Challenger Ranger of the Year. Justin attends outpost 124, Riverside Full Gospel Church in Lucedale, MS. Justin has attended several PowWows, JLTC and several Merit Camps. Michael White took the top spot in the Trailblazer age group. Michael is active at Magnolia Springs Assembly of God in Hurley, MS, outpost 7. Michael has also participated in district events including recently joining the ranks of the FCF. Colby Pepper returned to earn the Pioneer Ranger of the Year honors again this year. Colby is part of outpost 68 in Pascagoula, MS. Colby has taken advantage of the annual Section 12 Merit Camp to earn many of his merits. He is also a regular at district functions. Congratulations to the fine young men, all from Section 12, for emerging on top at the District Ranger of the Year testing. They will be presented a trophy at the 2001 District PowWow. Michael and Justin are eligible to compete in the Regional Ranger of the Year testing to be held on April 27-28, at Raleigh Assembly of God in Memphis, TN. All of the participants represented their section well and were presented a beautiful medallion. The following were the Rangers who participated in the District Ranger of the Year Testing Pioneer Trailblazer Challenger Garret Hebert Bill Bates Owen Lide Branden Anderson Paul Johnson Colby Pepper John Walls Justin Clapper Jeremy Richardson Michael White Michael Phillips Jimmy Brown Justin Smathers Daniel Hilburn R.J Smitherman Jared (Colby) Jones Jonathan Edwards [Back to Top of Page]

RELATED Photo Gallery Click here to see photos of the 2001 Ranger of the Year competition. See the Sectional Representatives See a list of all the winners... all of the young men who participated in the competition. Read More About the Ranger of the Year Program Get Ready for the Future: Transition Plans for the New Advancement System