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George Feind grew up in the small

town of Belgium, Wisconsin, where

volunteering and church were a way of

life for him and his family. According

to George, volunteering with his family

through church allowed him to bond

with them while doing something good—

something that seems to come naturally

for the 2016 President’s High School

Scholarship winner.

Through his involvement with the Boy

Scouts of America, George put in signifi-

cant work refurbishing the trail signs of

Stonehaven Historic Trail at Harrington

Beach State Park for his Eagle Scout proj-

ect. George explains, “Ever since I was

young, I remember Harrington Beach

State Park being a fantastic place for me

and my community, so I wanted to give

back to the resource that I loved so much.”

Motivated by this love, George saw

the project through from start to finish,

even bringing together members of other

troops to help complete the task. Over a

dozen signs along the trail, once faded

or falling apart, have now been replaced.

According to Harrington Beach State

Park Lead Ranger Robin Miller, “George

has created a lasting impact for the lives

of thousands of our visitors each year.

Through his dedication and hard work,

the beauty and aesthetics of the trail

remain intact.”

George truly has a passion for improv-

ing the lives of others. He has participated

in three mission trips, and although they

were all impactful, one experience in par-

ticular stands out in his memory. On a

trip to St. Louis, George helped an elderly

woman with some yard work—trimming

the trees and mowing the lawn, among

other things. While none of these were

difficult tasks, they made a tremendous

difference to the woman whom he had

helped. This has become a memory that

he will never forget.

Compassion seems to be second nature

to George, who says he learned from his

parents. The constant encouragement he

receives from his family continues to keep

him on the right path. His experience with

the Boy Scouts has also helped build his

character, particularly his positive attitude.

Even when challenges arose during the

trail sign project, the group stayed positive.

Keeping a great attitude during challeng-

ing times is a huge part of George’s success.

Now a freshman at the University

of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, George

hopes to carry on with his volunteer-

ing efforts throughout college. He states,

“Volunteering is unlike anything that I’ve

done before.” He hopes others will have

the same experience.

George plans to major in physics; and,

true to his dedication to others, he intends

to become a high school teacher. He is

even considering seeking out a teaching

position in an underprivileged area upon

graduation.

We are confident that with George’s

helpful and positive attitude, he will

surely continue to make a tremendous

difference in the lives of others. We con-

gratulate George on earning this award

and wish him the best of luck in his

future endeavors! F

Sharing Compassion With Others

George poses with his family at his Eagle Scout ceremony. Left to right: George’s father, Keith; older brother, Zach; younger brother, Brett; George; older sister, Kasie; and mother, Karen.

George and his Eagle Scout troop work on refurbishing the trail signs of Stonehaven Historic Trail at Harrington Beach Park.

President’s High School Scholarship winner gives back with a positive attitude

11 The Benefit News—Fall/Winter 2016