Bosco Tech Sophomore Represents Boy Scouts in Japan

Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) sophomore Xavier Cervantes just returned from a two-week trip to Japan’s 16th Nippon Scout Jamboree where he represented the Boy Scouts of America. The Jamboree is the Scout Association of Japan’s largest event, with more than 15,000 in attendance, and dates back to 1949. It is the precursor to the 23rd World Scout Jamboree that will be hosted by Japan in 2015.

Chosen as an ambassador for his delegation, Cervantes addressed the international scouting crowd, speaking about the need for peace between nations. He also represented his group to the mayor of Ube, a city of 180,000 in the Yamaguchi Prefecture that the troop toured before the jamboree began.

“The entire trip was a good experience in learning how to make new friends,” said Cervantes. “Even though we were from many different countries, it was pretty easy to get to know people because everyone was open and friendly. I also enjoyed learning about the rich culture behind each country that was represented at the jamboree.”

Cervantes, who studies Media Arts & Technology at Bosco Tech, recently earned Eagle Scout ranking, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts program. To complete the requirements, he ran a toy campaign last Christmas to benefit less fortunate children, organizing the drive and delivering gifts on Christmas Eve.

The 15-year old has been awarded Scouting’s World Conservation Award, several faith-based scouting awards, and has served as den chief to Pack 223, located in Alhambra. In addition, Cervantes serves as Youth Commissioner for the City of Alhambra and is a member of the Alhambra Home Preservation Society and the Alhambra Historical Society Museum. An active volunteer with the environmental non-profit group TreePeople, he was recently honored for his volunteer efforts and featured on the group’s blog.

Bosco Tech is an all-male Catholic high school that combines a rigorous college-preparatory and technology-focused education. The innovative science, engineering, technology and math (STEM) curriculum allows students to exceed university admission requirements while completing extensive integrated coursework in one of several applied science and engineering fields.

The Boys Scouts of America organization is a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and participates in a variety of international events every year.

For more information, please contact  (626) 940-2000 or visit www.boscotech.edu