NikkeiWest--Northern California Japanese American Newspaper

On April 3, Troop 611 from the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin awarded five of their scouts the Eagle Scout Award. They are Andrew Knaack, Terence Nonato, Ryan Seid, Steven Nichols and Matthew Ohara.

Andrew Knaack

Andrew Knaack is a freshman at the University of California at San Diego, majoring in Political Science and Business. Andrew plans on using his background in business to run non-profits while using a political science background to do civil rights advocacy. Andrew began his scouting career as a Tiger Scout and Cub Scout in Pack 611, where he received his Metta Religious Emblem and the Arrow of Light.

While at Adrian C. Wilcox High School, Andrew received the Academic Block Award, the College Board advanced Placement Scholar Award, the Journalism Department Award, and the AP Japanese Department Award and was a very handsome Homecoming King in 2008. Andrew excelled in a variety of sports including, Tennis, Cross Country, Badminton and Golf. He also held many club positions as President, Publicity and Memberships Coordinator of CSF, President, Publicity Coordinator and District Representative of the Interact Club, President of the Multi-Cultural Club, was the Freshman Class VP, Sophomore Class Activities Chairperson, Junior Class Activities Chairperson of his Student Council and the Associated Student Body Clubs Commissioner. Andrew edited his school newspaper.

As a member of Troop 611, Andrew served as a Den Chief for Pack 611, Patrol Leader and an Assistant Patrol Leader. He also received his Sangha Religious Emblem and the Order of the Arrow. For his Eagle Project, Andrew organized clothing drives and donated the clothes to Sacred Heart Community Service in San Jose, California. Andrew states, “This moment in history reaching out is more important than ever and I felt this is a small way I can give back.”

Andrew also was a member of the Japanese American Citizens League for two years, was in Venturing Crew 611, Western Young Buddhist Association, the Coast District Young Buddhist League and San Jose, Jr. Young Buddhist Association. Andrew also attended the 2005 National Boy Scout Jamboree.

He is the son of Edward and Kim Knaack.

Terence Nonato

Terence Nonato began scouting as a Cub Scout in Pack 611, where he received his Metta Religious Award. Terence is currently a Den Chief in Pack 611.

In Troop 611 Terence received his Sangha Award and has held these leadership positions, Patrol Scribe, Patrol Grub master, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Troop Scribe, Troop Librarian, Troop Historian, Troop Dharma Scribe, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader.

Terence is a senior at Bellarmine College Preparatory, where he is a member of the Japan/Asian Society Club. He does the shot put in Track and Field. He has received the Father Pedro Arrupe Community Service Award and earned Nation Latin Exam, Cum Laude.

Terence’s Eagle Project was to plan and construct three planter boxes for Brooktree Elementary School. He states that, “they are now being used by the students to plant gardens. “

Terence would like to attend UC Davis or Santa Clara University and plans to major in Communications and Atmospheric Sciences. Eventually, he would like to study on the East Coast. Terence practiced mixed martial arts at the American Kickboxing Academy and is President of San Jose. Jr. YBA.

Terence is the son of Danny and Jeanie Nonato,

Ryan Seid

Ryan began his scouting career in 1998 as a Tiger Scout and Cub Scout in Pack 611 where Ryan received his Arrow of Light Award. Ryan has been a Den Chief in Pack 611 for two years.

In Troop 611 Ryan has held leadership positions as Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Dharma Scribe and Patrol Scribe. For his Eagle Project Ryan reconstructed 57 foot long planter box/bench at Saint Andrew’s School in Saratoga.

Ryan selected this project since he states, “The old planter box/bench had become an eyesore and was dangerous to sit on because of the rotting and splintering wood. The school wanted to refurbish it to become the focal point of the school. I wanted to do something to give back to my elementary/middle school that I attended for 9 years.”

Ryan currently is a junior at Bellarmine College Preparatory where he excels in Cross Country and Track and Field. From 1999 to 2009 Ryan has played in Club Soccer and has also played CYS Basketball from 2001 to 2007.

Ryan is undecided about his future college plans.

Dr. Michael Seid and Ann Seid are the proud parents of Ryan Seid.

Matthew Ohara

Matthew began his scouting journey in 2000 as a Cub Scout in Pack 611, where he received his Metta Religious Award and the Arrow of Light Award.

In Troop 611, Matthew developed his leadership by serving as Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader and Scribe. He has been a mentor to Pack 611 Den 7 as their Den Chief for four years. He has also earned and received his Sangha Religious Award. Matthew will attend the 2010 Boy Scout Jamboree and will serve as Troop 628 Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

For his Eagle Project Matthew constructed six barn owl boxes to increase the barn owl population in the Santa Clara County. Matthew donated the barn owl boxes to the Audubon Society. Matthew stated, “I wanted to help the environment and the animals that live in it” as the importance of his Eagle Project.

Matthew is currently a junior attending Saint Lawrence Academy where he is a member of California Scholarship Federation, Principal Student Advisory Board, and Bowling, Science and FAST Clubs. He has received a Computer Achievement Award, the JV Coaches MVP Award and was Captain of the JV Basketball and Varsity Soccer Teams. As a member of the 2010 Varsity Basketball team, Matthew helped his team qualify for the CCS playoffs.

Matthew is a member of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin and Junior Young Buddhist Association. He also holds the rank of black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

After high school, Matthew plans to attend a four year university.

Matthew Ohara is the son of Scott and Sue Ohara.

Steven Nichols

Steven began his scouting career in Cub Scout Pack 611 in 1998 as a Tiger Scout, where he received his Metta Religious Award and the Arrow of Light award.

Steven is currently a senior at Independence High School, where he was a Varsity Runner and Captain in Cross Country and Track. He also was awarded two Coaches Awards in Cross Country and three Coaches Awards in Track. Steven also was freshman and sophomore Athlete of the Year, received the John Tuggle Humanitarian Award, was President of Guitar Club and was in Leadership for three years.

As a Boy Scout in Troop 611, Steven was Patrol Leaders, Troop Dharma Scribe, Scribe, Troop Historian, and Venture Scout President. Steven is a member of the prestigious Boy Scouts of America, Order of the Arrow organization and he also received his Sangha Religious Award.

For his Eagle Project, Steven made traffic signs for Summerdale Elementary School. Steven states that the reason he selected his Eagle Project was that, “After seeing the traffic in the parking lot and how dangerous it is for the children with parents driving all over the place I wanted to help regulate the pickup and drop off zones in the parking lot”.

Steven plans to attend California State University at Sacramento in the fall of 2010 where he plans to major in Kinesiology. He hopes to one day become an athletic trainer.

Steven is the son of Larry and Janet Nichols.