Michael P. White Earns Gold Medal of Achievement
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Michael White poses in front of one of several displays at his reception following his GMA ceremony. |
HURLEY, MS - February 9, 2003
Michael White was recently present the Gold Medal of Achievement (GMA) during a ceremony held in his honor at Magnolia Springs Assembly of God. Michael has been a part of Royal Rangers since he was in Straight Arrows when he was five. He reached the pinnacle of achievement in Royal Rangers on February 9, 2003 and was honored by his church, friends, family, school teachers, and district Royal Rangers officials. Southern Division Commander, Kelvin Dykes, was the master of ceremony.
The court of honor began with Michael's pastor, Al Roever, welcoming everyone. Brother Al later reflected on a meeting he had several years ago where he challenged the leaders of outpost 7 to make the GMA available and attainable by all of their Royal Ranger boys. Michael is the second in only a few months preceded by Jacob Tilley.
Several people made presentations to Michael including Section 7 Commander, Bruce Pepper, Deputy District Commander, Glenn Hodges, Randy Brown, one of Michael's teachers and TSA Advisor, Tim Anderson, East Central High School Principle and Bishop Milton Robinson. He was also presented an autographed poster of Kenny Stabler, Hall of Fame professional football player.
District Commander, Wesley Harmon, gave the Gold Medal presentation and charge. Michael is only the 4,693 young man to receive the GMA nationally and the 30th in Mississippi. Michael's mother, Rita White, pinned the medal while his dad looked on. The Gold and Silver Buffalo awards were pinned by his grandparents. The Gold Buffalo was pinned by Buster and Louise White and the Silver by Jeff and Sarah Robinson.
Many letters of accommodation were sent to Michael and compiled in a notebook. They included letters from District Youth and CE Director, Raymond Mizelle, National Commander, Richard Marriott, General Superintendent, Thomas Trask, Senator Thad Cochran, FCF President, Eugene Bowman, Governor Ronnie Musgrove, President George W. Bush and Laura Bush, and many others.
Michael read his GMA essay during the ceremony. In it he expressed how Royal Rangers has benefited his life. "I think the main purpose of Royal Rangers is to reach and keep boys for Jesus Christ, teach them valuable leadership skills and responsibilities the boys will need throughout their lives, and teach them about the first Royal Ranger, Jesus Christ, and his leadership abilities and responsibilities. Royal Ranger has given me a better way to look at life ahead and a better way to live that life. I will be a part of Royal Rangers, wherever I go, for the rest of my life."
Chile was served during a reception was held following the ceremony. Several displays were setup to show Michaels interest and accomplishments.
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