Joe Phillips, 18, a senior at St. Mary's Springs High School, earned the title and a college scholarship worth $10,000. The award was announced today during The American Legion's board of directors meeting here.
Joe Phillips, 18, a senior at St. Mary's Springs High School, earned the title and a college scholarship worth $10,000. The award was announced today during The American Legion's board of directors meeting here.
The award recognizes Phillips' practical citizenship at school, scouting and his passion and commitment to the Flag of the United States and all that it represents. His project consisted of planning, coordinating and executing a community drive for unserviceable U.S. flags, culminating in a formal flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day, June 14, 2008 at Izaak Walton Conservation Club in Fond du Lac. He organized, publicized and set up collection points for the three week drive that resulted in the acquisition of 2,900 flags. Working with The American Legion, he coordinated the formal flag retirement ceremony where U.S Rep. Tom Petri, State Assemblyman John Townsend and City Manager Tom Herre provided remarks. Phillips enlisted 57 people along the way to ensure the success of the project.
Phillips is listed in the Who's Who Among American High School Students. A recipient of the Young Adult Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award, he is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the recipient of awards in national speech and drama; history and government; fine arts, mathematics, leadership and service from the United States Achievement Academy. A member of the Maximillian Singers, a professional young adult song and dance troupe, he performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra at Uihlein Hall. The Valedictorian of St. Mary's Springs Class of 2010, he plans to pursue a double major in choral and general music education with a minor in theater at the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire and eventually obtain a doctorate and become a professor of music.
Phillips has been an Eagle Scout since 2008 and a runner-up in The American Legion's 2009 Eagle Scout of the Year competition.
The American Legion also awarded $2,500 scholarships to Robert B. Rasmussen of Hutchinson, Minn.; Justin R. Knoll of LaPorte, Ind.; and Michael T. Smith of Alpharetta, Ga.
The American Legion has supported Scouting since its first National Convention in 1919. Legion posts sponsor more than 2,700 Scouting units, serving more than 71,000 young people, at a cost of more than $1.7 million.
-30-Contact: Joe March or John Raughter (317) 630-1253.
- Press Release