Trail Life USA Freedom Award to Thomas

What did you do?

I achieved Trail Life USA’s most prestigious award, the Freedom award. It involved 25+ badges, a faith award, four freedom experiences, forty camping nights, holding a leadership position in my troop, sixteen special events besides meetings, and completing a servant leadership project.

What organization recognized the achievement?

Trail Life USA

How did homeschooling help you achieve your goal?

Since I was homeschooled, I had a very flexible schedule, allowing me to work hard and complete all the badge work, camping, and other requirements.

What are your interests?

I like playing games with my siblings; I am very passionate about my faith and enjoy volunteering with my family. I also like to hike and camp.

What are you inspired to do with your life?

I would love to go into either apologetics and engage others about the faith or a STEM-related field.

What are your favorite subjects and why?

Science or history. History because it is interesting to see God moving through time, and science because it tells how God designed things to work.

The photo was taken at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Lake Ridge, VA, with my pastor, Fr. Brian Bashista. For my servant leadership project, I researched, designed, built, and filled carts with items to help those with special needs. I then donated the carts to parishes in my diocese. They contained items such as weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and fidgets. This picture was taken when I donated the cart. We are in the foyer of my church.