Orsak follows footsteps of his Eagle Scout family
"I follow in the footsteps of my four Eagle Scout uncles: Tommy, Timmy, Billy and James "Binky" Drapela, and three cousins: T.J., Nathan and Brandon Drapela." - John Orsak
By QUALA MATOCHA lifestyle@leader-news.com
Scouting is a tradition for one El Campo family. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, uncles and cousins, El Campo High School senior John Charles Orsak received the rank of Eagle Scout recently.

JOHN ORSAK

He was honored with a Court of Honor ceremony Sunday, April 20 at the American Legion Hall. Chris "Hoss" Linzza, past District Executive of Brahman District, flew in from Tennessee to give the Eagle oath.

Orsak started his Scouting career as a Wolf Cub in Pack 196 when he was sevenyears old. He continued as a Cub Scout and participated in the Arrow of Light ceremony before promoting him to the rank of Boy Scout in Troop 1251, sponsored by the American Legion.

Orsak said he is the 97th Scout from Troop 1251 to reach the rank of Eagle Scout.

As the grandson of the late C.F. "Doc" Drapela, he carried on the love of Scouting.

"Grandpa was the Scoutmaster of Troop 1251 until his death," he said.

That Scouting tradition continued with other relatives, too.

"I follow in the footsteps of my four Eagle Scout uncles: Tommy, Timmy, Billy and James "Binky" Drapela, and three cousins: T.J., Nathan and Brandon Drapela."

Today, Tommy Drapela, the son of "Doc" Drapela, serves as Scoutmaster of Troop 1251.

Orsak's parents are also involved in Scouting. His mother, Susie, was Cubmaster of Pack 196 for several years, and his dad Mike is an assistant leader for Troop 1251.

Now as an Eagle Scout, Orsak has registered as an adult leader in Troop 1251.

To be considered for Eagle Scout rank, Orsak had to jump through several hoops, one being a review and project.

"I had my board review and officially became an Eagle Scout on Feb. 12, 2008," he said.

For that review, Orsak completed his Eagle Scout project, building guard rails for the DAV tractor pull.

"This project helped lower insurance cost and wil provide safety for years to come," Orsak said.

Family and friends were in attendance for Orsak's Court of Honor ceremony.