The Marcellus Daisy Girls Scouts Troop 352 learned about respect and authority last week from three individuals well versed in those areas – a martial arts master, a sheriff’s deputy and an officer with the New York Air National Guard. Master Todd Finney, who co-owns Agogi Mixed Martial Arts in Marcellus with Robert Webster, led the day of respect and authority on March 5, stressing to the daisies that everyone is deserving of respect. His lesson was mixed with martial arts demonstrations, where each of the daisies took turns kicking and punching padded targets. “The biggest thing is that we’re nice to each other,” Finney told the daisies. He also told them about different figures of authority that should be respected, but not feared, before introducing two of note. Major Andrea Bastedo, a Cyber Communications Officer with the 152nd New York National Guard, spoke to the daisies about her line of work, leading them in a few different marches and salutes. “Out of all the salutes I can teach, and all the marching I can teach you, the best thing I can teach you is to be nice,” Bastedo said. Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Clare spoke to the daisies about the tools holstered to his belt. Following an explanation of his taser, which he said he only uses when he absolutely has to, he removed a pencil from his front pocket and held it high. “I use this more than anything else on my belt,” Clare said.
For paying close attention to the day’s lessons, all 12 Daisies were awarded their “respect and authority” petal. The event was coordinated by Kelly Amidon and scout leader Jenn Randal, whose daughters, both daisies, have taken martial arts at Agogi.