Marine Military Academy Boy Scouts Troop 22 Visit to San Benito News
Ms. Andi Atkinson (MMA’s Public Relations Director and on-site reporter) led our Boy Scouts on an exciting field-trip to the San Benito News as part of earning the Journalism Merit Badge. The troop gathered at the campus Messhall for early dining, thereby allowing the Boy Scouts Troop to meet a tight turnaround schedule. Upon arrival, Managing Editor Mr. Michael Rodriguez (remaining after hours) generously provided a very informative and detailed tour of the facility. It was immediately evident he has an impressive depth of knowledge concerning newspaper operations. He proved a very personable gentleman, and it was obvious he enjoyed the opportunity to guide our Boy Scouts. The San Benito News publishes twice a week with a circulation of 26,000. Mr. Rodriquez says the paper is doing well and turning a profit in spite of Internet and other aggressive competition for the attention of news seekers.
PHOTOS: MMA Boy Scouts had the unique opportunity to view vintage newspapers bound by year. They found a comics section from 1961 most interesting, along with a grocery ad from year 1946 (view the prices and weep!).
The boys took turns entering the darkroom through a revolving-style circular door designed to prevent unwanted light. They were warned that it may be a Star Trek style transporter, watch-out! Darkrooms are mostly obsolete today since the recent advent of digital photography. They found the printing-press and associated machinery fascinating as the process was expertly described by Mr. Rodriguez. Some joked that the newspaper roll could also serve as toilet paper for the mythical lumberjack Paul Bunyan!
Boy Scouts Welcome Return of Mr. Steve Gerber
Mr. Steve Gerber has relocated to the Rio Grande Valley and immediately joined Boy Scouts Troop 22 as an adult leader. Steve is a recently “retired” Scout organization career employee. He served as the Troop 22 Scoutmaster for several years before a regional transfer. He returns with a vast wealth of experience and expertise to share with our Scouts, and is rapidly making a positive impact. We’re most fortunate to have him on the team!
Troop 22 would like to extend a bubba-large THANK YOU! to Ms. Atkinson for devoting her personal time and loyal support to the Scouts of Troop 22. She is a natural leader who has enhanced our troop operations with quality opportunities. She is indeed one of those rare individuals who makes a difference!
Check out the pictures of Boy Scouts Troop 22 San Benito News Visit.
Boy Scouts Troop 22 Seeking Assistance
Boy Scouts Troop 22 actively seeks donations or other assistance to maintain a quality program. Please contact the Scoutmaster, SgtMajor Jim Poe, at 956-423-6006×270 if you have questions about the Boy Scouts program or seek to lend your support.
To learn more about the Marine Military Academy visit our website at http://www.mma-tx.org or request information at http://www.mma-tx.org/MMA/admissions/
