Gideon Pask earns rank of Eagle Scout

Photos by Tom Rivers: Gideon Pask is congratulated by Todd Draper, scoutmaster of Troop 28 in Medina, for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Gideon received the rank during a Court of Honor celebration today at the East Shelby Community Bible Church.

Gideon Pask became an Eagle Scout today.

EAST SHELBY – Gideon Pask, a very busy student at Albion Central School, has earned the highest rank in Boy Scouts. Today, he had a Court of Honor for his Eagle Scout.

Gideon, 18, is the valedictorian at Albion for the Class of 2026. He also is the drum major in the marching band and starred in the school musicals. He also is very active in the school’s chorus and band programs.

“He’s extremely goal-oriented,” said Todd Draper, scoutmaster of Troop 28 in Medina. “If he puts his mind to it, he’ll do it.”

Kids who are busy learn to prioritize and complete their projects, Draper said.

Gideon has made time for Scouting for more than a decade. He initially was part of Troop 175 in Barre until it disbanded.

He completed 28 merit badges, above the required 21 to be an Eagle Scout.

He also completed his community service project at the East Shelby Community Bible Church, adding benches, picnic tables and a sandstone walkway. Gideon has long attended the church, which was led by his grandfather, the late Erik Olsen. Gideon’s uncle Levi is now the pastor.

Gideon follows his brother Eli as an Eagle Scout. Eli earned the rank in 2018. He volunteers as an adult with Troop 28.

“I enjoy the camaraderie,” Gideon said about scouting. “You can meet some of your best friends.”

He said scouts also will have fun camping and will learn first aid, self sufficiency and problem solving, as well as many other skills.

Gideon Pask follows his brother Eli Pask, age 23, as an Eagle Scout. Eli is an adult volunteer with Troop 28. Eli got caught in the afternoon rainstorm before this photo was taken.

The troop is preparing to send 10 scouts and adults volunteers to the Philmont Scout Ranch for 9 days of rugged hiking in the mountains of New Mexico. The group will cover about 50 miles to start the summer.

Gideon will be attending the Rochester Institute of Technology this fall to major in electrical engineering. He would like to stay involved with scouts as an adult volunteer, in particular at high-adventure camps like Philmont.

Gideon Pask is shown as drum major for the Albion Marching Band during Saturday’s Albion Strawberry Festival.