It's no wonder M. Robert Marks of Crafton was chosen to present the Boy Scouts of America's 2009 annual report to President Barack Obama at the White House.

When Tom Ballew was asked to nominate one of his charges, he knew just the person. Ballew was Marks' Sea Scoutmaster for two years on Sea Scout Ship 1942, based in Washington.

"He's got a resume that goes over the horizon as far as virtually accomplishing everything that Scouting has to offer," Ballew said.

Each year, representatives from the BSA are chosen to present the president with a report about the future happenings of the Scouts as well as the previous year's accomplishments. A contingent representing the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts and Sea Scouts attended the July 12 meeting. Sea Scouting is a co-ed program for young adults ages 14-21 with an emphasis on nautical and aquatic activities.

The BSA National Capital Area Council in Washington contacted Scoutmasters asking for a group of highly accomplished Scouts to meet the president and give him the report.

"Leading up to it, I have to admit I was a bit nervous," said Marks, 21. "But President Obama opened the door to his Oval Office, and it was like meeting a best friend you've known all your life."

Marks' list of accomplishments are rare -- he is one of just 94 men during the past 100 years to receive the William T. Hornaday Silver Medal Award. It recognizes exceptional conservation service involving leadership, preparing and executing plans, and helping others learn about natural resource conservation and environmental improvement.

Marks is a son of Michael Marks of Crafton and Lucille Olszewski of California.

"Over the past 14 years, he's been able to do what he loves ... be in the outdoors, indoors, learn and teach others," said Marks' father.

Marks has received the Quartermaster Award, Venturing Silver Award, William D. Boyce Award, Venturing Ranger Award, James M. Stewart Good Citizenship Award, Freedom Trail Award and The U.S. Heritage Award.

Through BSA, he has traveled the nation and world, doing service projects in Minnesota, New Mexico, the Florida keys, Wyoming, California, Virginia and Switzerland. In the fall, he will spend a semester at the Suncheon Asia-Pacific Scout Centre in South Korea.

"We're proud of him," said Ballew. "We really, truly are."

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