George Folk III has a golden smile these days, and has good reason to show it. This handsome young man of fifteen and an easy going demeanor just became a shining example in the community by being awarded the Gold Medal of Achievement in the Royal Rangers, the highest award that can be given and equivalent to the Boy Scouts Golden Eagle.  This prestigious award has only been given out five other times in the past 30 years for is Hamlin Pentecostal Assembly of God, and George is the 260th Ranger in the Penn-Del district to receive it in the same amount of time, and the 6,290th across the nation in the past 50 years.  It is a testimony to determination, perseverance and hard work, but most importantly to George, his family and friends, an achievement in great faith and testimony of strength in his walk to give glory to God.
“Once he decides to do something, he makes it happen,” states George’s father, George Folk Jr. and a Commander in the Royal Rangers. “He has always been big on being self motivated. He was all of six when he decided he wanted to go after this award.” He goes on to say that he believes the rangers gave strength to George’s natural tendency to be a leader, as this remarkable young man has taken many leadership positions through his short but plentiful life.
Winning this high honored award comes with no small sacrifice. George had to work his way through a list of requirements for each merit badge the Royal Rangers have to offer, including those for the Bronze and Silver medals. This required not only physical, but emotional and mental commitment to succeed. Requirements range from written essays to displaying his skills, written tests, and a grueling 45 minute interview in front of a panel of commanders to demonstrate his knowledge.
 The Royal Rangers, started in 1962 by the Late Johnnie Barnes of North Texas, is a church-based mentoring ministry for future men.  Since it’s inception, millions of boys have been guided through the ministry, and are today successful businessmen, public servants, pastors, church leaders, missionaries and more around the world. Boys starting at the age of 5-18 from all walks of life, including hard households (one parent homes, living in projects, etc.)  have an Authority/Father figure in their life to look up to, and learn the traits Christ has for them.  Many of the younger rangers are taught by example of the leaders of the group. George is now one of those leaders, and is well respected and liked amongst the younger and older Rangers alike in his home post #71 and beyond.
 “To watch them change is a blessing,” stated one commander of the group.
George became an example and leader for these boys, by earning his Jr. Commander bars as well as the Gold Medal, in which his mother nervously pinned on to his uniform and his father proudly watched nearby. In a moving ceremony this past Sunday, October 18th at the Pentecostal Assembly of God In Hamlin. George was also honored by many regional post commanders of the Royal Rangers throughout the district, exclusive Alumni of Gold Medal Achievement Winners, and present and former pastors of the church.  An emotional and heart tugging video presentation, showcasing George’s family, life and dedication to God and the Rangers was shown. The video touched heavily on the support of his parents, Dad George Folk Jr., mom- Jessica, sister Anais, and Grandmother, Starlit. Anais, who was unable to honor her brother with a beautiful song, “Perfect People” by Natalie Grant, during the ceremony due to a sore throat, still came despite her illness to support her older brother, a testimony to the strong family bond these ‘Folks’ share.  Anais is scheduled to act in a Christmas play later this year in Hawley, and rest assured big brother George will be with his parents and grandmother to root her on.
“It’s so exciting,” states Jessica. “We helped him get prepared. They read all the accomplishments and it’s like, wow, we helped him do all that?”
“There have been times when I was unsure I could handle it, the pressure,” says George III. “ But, if you stick with it, things all work out in the end... When you want something, you know you have the ability to get it, but you have to trust GOD to take you through it.” George also thanked his parents during his speech, by stating, “ When I was getting lazy, and didn’t want to work, my parents helped, pushed me to go on. I got frustrated, but now, I am glad.”
 George also thanked his commanders, who without their support he surely wouldn’t be standing there.
“Mostly I thank the Lord.” When asked how he felt when asked to pose with his awards and citations how it all felt, he simply replied, ‘ It feels great!”
Citations from Congress to State Senate and the House of Representatives and several outposts of the Rangers were also presented to George, as well as a .243 caliber rifle, and a flag which flew over the state capital in Harrisburg.
Along with an amazing list of awards, ranging from merits and citations from the Rangers to outside certificates for CPR and other school honors, he is also a member of the National Honors Society.  George Folk the Third is a straight A student and also holds the record for Track and Cross Country two mile run for Wallenpaupack as a freshman. His other hobbies include playing nearly any instruments, including the piano and his favorite, percussion drums-and he plays in the marching and jazz bands at Wallenpaupack High School. The word from his mom is that a try out for a district band in the region is also in the works.
So, what is next for George Folk III?
Former Northeast Sectional Commander for the Royal Rangers, Jody Hummel, was happy to give that answer, echoed by so many at the reception that followed, hosted by Country Girl Catering’s own chef, Stephanie Compton.
“When I see George, I see enormous potential. There’s no doubt GOD has great things in store for this young man. I want to encourage him not to settle for good. Good is the enemy of great. To dare to dream big GOD dreams, and take the risks for Him.  The sky is the limit for what he can accomplish, for GOD.”
George states he is planning to do something with his music, and possibly go into both aeronautical design and engineering. Employers also look for this award upon resumes, it is said, as it is proof of hard work and dedication employers seek.
Penn-Del District Commander, Gregg Scott, told George that what he does now will always be under scrutiny, and watched as a leader in both Community and Spirit. A challenge this fine young man can surely stand up to.
For more information on the Royal Rangers, contact Hamlin Pentecostal Assembly of God at  (570)689-2630 or 689-9764.
GOOD KID STORIES: If you know of a young person age 18 or younger in the area who is a good role model or in some way has made a good accomplishment, you are invited either to submit a story and photograph or contact Peter Becker to arrange an interview by calling (570)253-3055 or e-mail pbecker@wayneindependent.com.