Eagle Scout Alex Sanford: A youth to inspire all youth

After Alex Sanford’s board of review on the evening of 9/11—a date not lost on this young man—he officially became an Eagle Scout. He was decorated with a bronze, gold, and silver palm during his ceremony held at the American Legion Mackinder-Glenn Post 510 on Dec. 16.  Photo credit Karen Louise Collier Sanford

revised 12/23/2018

by Cindy Lance

To many, Alex Sanford may appear to be a regular kid, but on Dec. 16 at the Stockbridge American Legion Hall this exceptional young man was recognized for attaining what only four percent of Boy Scouts ever achieve: the rank of Eagle Scout.

According to his father, Sean Sanford, “Alex is only the second Eagle Scout born and raised in Stockbridge to finish with Chelsea Boy Scout Troop 425, Glenn Polk being the other.”

Young Sanford wrote that the scout oath had taught him that “I can contribute with purpose, and that is my goal, to be an ambassador to my own convictions.” This 2018 graduate of Stockbridge High School plays sports, is a student at Washtenaw Community College, and is driven to make a difference in the world around him and in his local community.

Fulfilling the requirements for becoming an Eagle Scout takes years, and then candidates undergo a lengthy review process. Sanford has earned more than 38 of the requisite 21 merit badges, and one included providing full leadership through a service project.

Inspired by his father, a United States Air Force veteran and member of the Stockbridge American Legion, Alex decided for his service leadership project he would build a sidewalk at the Legion Hall where no stable access existed. Not only did he lead the project, devoting more than 50 hours of his own time (over 350 hours of total man hours were donated), he personally fronted $800.

When asked who inspired him to complete his journey to Eagle Scout, Alex was quick to mention the support and encouragement he has received. He credited “Grandfather Paul Thomas Sanford, a substance abuse survivor and cancer survivor” for urging him on. He also said project coach Lloyd Haffner with BSA provided an amazing amount of support and guidance through every step of the service project. Sanford recalled how Stockbridge Village Chief of Police John Torres had inspired him many years ago when he and another officer came to the school and talked about a citizenship project in the community. (Not surprisingly, Sanford had participated in the program.)

Paul Thomas Sanford, Alexander Michael Stefan Sanford, Karen Louise Collier Sanford. Photo credit Sean Sanford.

Chief Torres made sure that one of his officers was present at the Eagle award ceremony and reached out to the Stockbridge Community News to ensure that this fine young man’s efforts for the community were recognized.

Alex’s father, Sean, wrote to this reporter, “Kudos to you and Chief Torres for recognizing one of many good leadership programs in our small corner of the world.  Because of Stockbridge Teachers, Alex was fortunate to part of the NSHSS (National Society of High School Scholars) for academic achievement. Because of Coaches and area athletics, Alex was fortunate to be part of their leadership programs. Finally, because of Scout, Servicemen, and Community Leaders, Alex has benefited from their teachings.  Although many a beautiful flower blooms in fields unseen, he is not the only one of his generation to blossom here. Please continue your efforts to recognize those that mature under your watch, and a sense of optimism and enthusiasm must follow. As I said in front of the hall of heroes attending the ceremony last Sunday, ‘It never occurred to me that I might raise one of my own heroes.'”

To date, Sanford has raised $300 to cover the initial expense of his sidewalk project. Those who would like to show their support of this project may go to the Stockbridge Village Police website for additional information or make tax deductible donations to Troop 425, 5442 Hill Rd., Stockbridge, MI 49285.

Congratulations to Alex Sanford whose commitment to the local community goes above and beyond.

Sean Paul Sanford, Heather Lynne-Rowell Sanford, Ed Catini, Brennan Boone, Patrick Quinn is behind Lloyd C. Hafner, Alex Quinn, Robert Stump, Alexander Michael Stefan Sanford, and Adrian Eder. Photo credit Karen Louise Collier Sanford

Lloyd C. Haffner and Alexander Michael Stefan Sanford. Photo credit Karen Louise Collier Sanford

Alexander Michael Stefan Sanford, Robert Stump, and Lloyd C. Haffner. Photo credit Karen Louise Collier Sanford

Alexander Michael Stefan Sanford, and Lloyd C. Hafner. Photo credit Karen Louise Collier Sanford