Eagle Scout Carter Shultz: Building a Legacy of Literacy
Carter Shultz
Becoming an Eagle Scout is far more than leadership learned in the outdoors applied to the real world; it is a prestigious testament to one's leadership and character. To join this elite rank, a scout must possess a tenacious spirit to venture into the unknown, dedicating themselves to the mastery of new disciplines. Grand Island Senior High freshman Carter Shultz has demonstrated the extraordinary drive and vision required to achieve this monumental milestone. Reflecting on his long journey to achieve the prestigious standing, Carter stated, “Being an Eagle Scout is earning the highest rank in Scouts, but more than just earning the rank, I had to prove that I could plan and lead a service project. I had to show leadership in my troop and how to help solve problems when they occur.”
On January 25, Carter was officially honored with the rank of Eagle Scout. This prestigious achievement was the culmination of years of dedication, during which Carter earned 46 Merit Badges in diverse fields—from the grit of welding to the discovery of archaeology. While his skills are varied, they are all tied together by a heart for leadership and a deep commitment to serving others.
Driven by a passion to give back, Carter launched his Eagle Scout Project, Gift of a Book, a heartwarming initiative that provided a brand-new book to every kindergartener in the GIPS district. Ashley Shultz, Carter’s mother, remembers feeling the weight of bringing such an endeavor to life. She stated, “When he started this project to give every kindergarten student in GIPS a book to start off the school year, it seemed like a large project to undertake. However, with the help of Dr. Toni Palmer, the GIPS Foundation, the elementary administration staff, scout helpers, and community donors, he was able to turn his project into a reality.”
By tapping into the heart of his school community and partnering with the GIPS Foundation, Carter’s project took flight. Carter stated, “The GIPS Foundation was a great support in helping with my Gift of a Book project. One of the best things they were able to do was set up a website so I could show potential donors what my project was and how they could help donate towards it. The Foundation also took care of keeping me updated on how much money I had raised for the project. When I was ready to order all the books, I sat down with some of the Foundation staff and they placed the order using the account money I had raised. It made it easy for me to keep track of the money and finances with the help of the Foundation.” This online platform, combined with Shultz’s tireless door-to-door efforts, gave the project the momentum it needed to provide a book for over 800 GIPS kindergartners.
When we talk about "leaving a legacy," it’s easy to picture grand endowments or trusts established by those later in life. While the GIPS Foundation is honored to manage such generous gifts, a legacy isn’t defined by age. Even the youngest members of our community are making their mark today, proving that you’re never too young to spark a lasting change. Carter Shultz is a testament to such excellence.
