Mark Cesnik

Years ago, I added Mark to my personal heroes page writing:
Mark Cesnik was an assistant scoutmaster in Troop 545 for several years. Under his mentorship, I attained the rank of Eagle, the highest rank in scouting. I also attained Firecrafter, the highest rank in an Indiana scouting organization, and I joined Order of the Arrow while he was involved with the troop.

More importantly than the ranks I achieved under his direction and mentorship are the lessons of character are received from him. Mr. C., as he was affectionately known was a passionate scouter despite having never been a scout himself. He put into every aspect of scouting some mysterious, indescribable quality that made it special to every scout. For me, he exposed me to what we call Doc Log. Doc Log is the concept that I can use the woods and nature through camping, hiking, and fishing as a counselor. This is one of the greatest lessons I learned from him. A further lesson is what cheerfulness is. In obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout, I could recite a textbook definition of cheerfulness, but until I had gotten to know Mr. Cesnik, I could not truthfully say wholeheartedly that I knew what cheerfulness was.

Even more amazing is that the effect Mr. C. had on me was infectious. After Mr. C. left the troop since his own son had attained the Eagle rank and family issues were mounting, he would return occasionally. One of those times was shortly after the troop had a new scoutmaster. When Mr. C. entered the meeting place, the whole troop began to clap, and the scoutmaster said something about feeling jealous since Mr. C. would get that kind of reception every time he would enter.

I don´t know exactly where Mr. C. is today or what he is doing, but I will never forget him. I hope that he continues to inspire others and that through the lessons he taught me, I can also inspire others.