Piedmont Council’s Troop 6 celebrated their first Eagle Scout of 2018, Alec Abdul-Rahim, of Oakland, CA, at a Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Court of Honor held at Bishop O’Dowd last Saturday. Drawing on a keen interest in photography, for his Eagle project Alec framed and mounted treasured Ansel Adams photographs kept safely in the archives of Piedmont’s Corpus Christi parish, dating back to the church’s founding in the 40’s. So that all parishioners and visitors can enjoy the celebrated photographer’s work, Alec led the troop in copying and framing the photos, now highlighted for all to enjoy in an outside marker on the hillside in front of the church, with a second marker inside the vestibule of the church itself.
As part of the project Alec also led long-time parishioners in a session dubbed the “Meeting of Elders”, where he called on these members to gather to capture their oral histories. He spoke to parishioners that were members since birth in the 40’s, married there in the 50’s and 80’s…capturing a historical perspective on early church practices and celebrations. He summarized his findings on the marker placed inside the church, condensing the oral and pictorial history into 4 8×10 panels.
One hundred community leaders, Scouts, family and friends were present at O’Dowd’s Center for Environmental Science, overlooking the city of Oakland and the Bay, to witness Alec receive his Eagle award. Alec is a member of the Class of 2018. Father Jim Sullivan, Bishop O’Dowd chaplain, gave an emotional and heartwarming speech, where he spoke of Alec teaching by example to be loyal, empathetic, and to live a happy life. “Alec’s heart is as big as the Atlantic Ocean”, he said, commenting that he saw this both inside and outside of the classroom. Walid Abdul-Rahim mentioned the impact of Troop 6 and Scouting: “I saw Alec really grow as a Scout, and therefore, as a person. In particular, what I saw within him, what was confirmed for me through Scouts was his quiet, confident leadership ability.”
Seven other Eagle Scouts were represented at the ceremony at O’Dowd, including Alec’s older brother and Master of Ceremonies, Omar Abdul-Rahim.
Photo by Sophia Abdul-Rahim