Good evening everyone, my name is John Farr and I'm the president of the Big Flats Lions Club.

In case you aren't familiar with the Lions, we are a service club with emphasis on assistance to the blind and visually impaired. We also have a long-standing commitment to community service, and support of community activities including Boy Scouts and other youth groups. Through Lions International we are able to extend our service to our nation and the world at large. Most recently our Club donated over $1,400 to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Another tradition of our Club is the recognition of individuals who are major community contributors. Each year we honor an outstanding local individual with our Citizen of the Year award, and it's also our goal to recognize the achievements of each of you who attain the rank of Eagle Scout. This is what brings me here tonight.

Our organizations share many of the same core values. The three aims of Scouting are to build character, to foster citizenship, and to develop personal, moral & spiritual fitness. The Lions motto is, "We Serve". Through membership in a Lions club, people not only help those in need, but have opportunities to develop personal friendships and gain valuable leadership skills.

The Boy Scout program is very important to us and it is a pleasure to present these certificates. Our hope is that more Scouts will earn the Eagle distinction, and that all Scouts will consider joining a Lions Club in the future.

With that said, I'd like to present the certificates:

• Kevin Kremer
• Justin Cecce
• Chris Matthews
• Geoffrey Moshier

Speaking on behalf of the Big Flats Lions Club, we are glad for the opportunity to recognize hard work and perseverance. We extend our congratulations to the Eagles as well as the fellow Scouts, Scout leaders, and especially the parents who have made it all possible.

Thank you.