30
April 5 – 18, 2014
Youth
www.SanTanSun.com
Chandler Boy Scout dubbed ‘inspirational’ by City BY M.A. LEWIS
Vinnie Holmquist is an inspiration to many. The difference is, though, the Chandler 15-year-old has an award to back up the claims of his mother and mentors. He was given the City of Chandler Inspiration Award. “Vinnie separates himself by staying focused on the goal,” according to Matt Lewis, Vinnie’s plant and animals teacher at Chandler High School. “He doesn’t wait for others to tell him what to do, he researches options and then may ask (for) advice as to the best option, but he has already taken steps to find answers prior to asking the question.” The Inspiration Award is given to someone who “exhibits a work ethic and behaviors that inspire those around them,” according to a City of Chandler press release. Vinnie was chosen for his work with a community youth volunteer program and for coordinating various monthly events for Boy Scout Troop 280. He volunteers for the iHelp ministry of Sun Valley Church, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Chandler Food Bank. “(The award) means the world to me,” Vinnie writes. “I had no idea that I was receiving the award so it was a very nice surprise. I appreciate the (award).” Patty Holmquist, Vinnie’s mother, says most people don’t know that Vinnie was born with the genetic disease cystic fibrosis. “He has never let this define him, however, it has help(ed) make him the
WINNER: Vinnie Holmquist, the City of Chandler’s Inspiration Award winner, doesn’t let his diagnosis of cystic fibrosis stop him. STSN photo by Ron Lang
person he is today,” Holmquist writes in an e-mail. Adam Eslinger, Vinnie’s scoutmaster from January 2011 to April 2012, also dubs Vinnie an inspiration. He worked with him to develop basic scout skills, such as knot-tying and first aid. “Vinnie is unique with his determination,” Eslinger writes. “He
never allowed his diagnosis affect how he lived his life. Even though he struggled through a couple episodes during my time with him, he always returned with a positive attitude. This is difficult for middle school youth to accomplish without having to face some of the challenges he faces.” His mother describes him as a diligent and fun-loving young man. She also says he knows when to “get down to business” and make things happen. A Chandler High School freshman, Vinnie participates in its Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. “As for my future career, I’m not sure what I would like to do just yet,” Vinnie writes. “However, I am currently thinking about going into the D.E.A. organization or S.W.A.T. team.” Vinnie does know that he plans on continuing with the FFA and in the Boy Scouts of America program. He wishes to earn the Palms, a five-badge achievement. “Vinnie is a humble kid who is willing to do the work to succeed,” Lewis writes. “He is pleasant to be around and his humility makes him easy to teach.” Lewis says Vinnie does not allow physical challenges to stop him from accomplishing his goals and works to find a way around any problem that may arise. Recently, Vinnie’s troop honored him at a special Eagle Scout ceremony at The Springs Church in Chandler. His service project was with the Southwest Wildlife
Conservation Center in Rio Verde. He led a group of adults and scouts in building three informational kiosks and an animal platform for the Mexican Grey Wolf Habitat. The project took about one and a half months to complete. “Vinnie has always loved animals, especially reptiles,” his mom says. “As a child, he was fascinated with scorpions and all kinds of bugs. As he grew up, he became more interested in reptiles.” The teen owns two leopard geckos, a turtle and a bearded dragon. “That’s not to mention that our family rescues dogs and volunteers for the Boxer Luv organization and have three of our own,” his mom says. Holmquist says there is a lot to love about her son. “First, I love that Vinnie can laugh at himself,” she says. “He’s kind of a jokester and he isn’t afraid to laugh at himself when things don’t go his way. I think my most favorite quality about him hands down is his ability to be accountable. It’s hard to be a teenager today and when he makes a mistake or maybe gets a little out of line, he always comes full circle and takes responsibility for his actions and apologizes if necessary. He’s also a loyal friend and makes great efforts to keep in contact with his friends from past schools and church.” M.A. Lewis is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.