Apple Valley Whiz Kids: Stefan Chellsen, Garrett Dykstra, Mike Whelan

Names: Stefan Chellsen, Garrett Dykstra, Mike Whelan

Ages: 17, 18, 18

Schools: School of Environmental Studies, Eastview High School, School of Environmental Studies

Accomplishment: This trio has been scouting together since they could walk, nominator and scoutmaster Paul Chellsen wrote. They have been an integral part of their troop’s leadership and success.

While most boys tend to fade from scouts as they enter high school, these boys have stayed on, not necessarily to pursue individual awards like their Eagle but to support the troop and lead the younger boys in their activities. All three have served as senior patrol leader (SPL) and have stayed on to take a second term because the majority of their troop was still quite young.

"As scoutmaster I can say these boys are truly kept this troop afloat," Chellsen wrote. "Their dedication leadership, humor, loyalty and friendship have made the difference."

Most people look to the “Eagle” as the pinnacle of scouting. But what sets these three apart from their peers is their commitment to scouts, their unselfish dedication to the troop and those they serve. In addition to scouting they have been active in sports, extra curricular activities and volunteered in the community.

"To watch them grow from small children into responsible men is something I can not quite put into words," Chellsen wrote. But if you were to Google "awesome," these three would be the No. 1 hit.
 
Keys to Awesomeness: "All of my scouts are awesome," Chellsen wrote. But what sets these three apart is their collective loyalty to the troop and each other. It is rare that you see three boys all quite different that can remain close friends from grade school through high school. Each of them lives the scout law every day and has their own special awesomeness. A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
 
Garrett is strong, competitive, fast, and a take charge sort of person. He doesn’t wait to be asked and isn’t a bean counter; he does what needs to be done period. But in addition to those qualities, you will find a gentle compassionate kindness that you won’t see if you don’t look hard. His scout traits are loyal, helpful, brave and kind.
 
"Mike and I like to spar from time to time," Chellsen wrote, "but like the others, I can count on him for anything." Mike is a great leader, has a great sense of humor, is able to make hard decisions and provided a consistent presence that kept the group on track. He is creative, musical and dependable. Mike’s scout traits are loyal, trustworthy, courteous and helpful.
 
"If I was allowed a favorite of this bunch it would have to be Stefan, which may be allowed, as he is mine," Chellsen wrote. "In my life there is no person who has been so consistently by my side supporting me, making me laugh believing in me and helping to be a better person." He will assist on a moments notice with leading games with a group of 50 cub scouts, attend a leadership meeting, volunteer at loaves and fishes or help around the house. His scout traits are loyal, kind, cheerful and friendly.
 
Although "awesome" is not mentioned in the scout law, perhaps it is the collective qualities of these three that is truly awesome, Chellsen wrote.

Apple Valley Patch will seek nominations from readers for individual  kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens, and will select one each week as the Apple Valley Patch Whiz Kid/s.  Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to allison.wickler@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information: nominator's name, nominator's e-mail, Whiz Kid's name, Whiz Kid's age, Whiz Kid's school, Whiz Kid's accomplishment, Whiz Kid's key to awesomeness (what made him/her successful).