Monday Shows
The Order of the Arrow Shows Committee, known for professional quality and powerful messages, once again delivered a winner in the 2009 National Order of the Arrow Conference Founding Fathers show held in Assembly Hall at Indiana State University Monday night.
Monday nights show brought a new perspective to first time NOAC guests, as it showcased the history of the Founding Fathers of the Order of the Arrow. Arrowmen throughout the stadium learned of the series of important events that led up to the creation of the Order of the Arrow.
If you have an interest in American Indian Culture and enjoy Indian dance, Monday's show could possibly have been your favorite show.
The show began with a skit about a Scout who had become jaded and lost his passion for the OA and his Lodge's ceremonies team. While on a visit to a museum he takes a nap on a bench while the rest of his troop goes off to explore the American Indian artifacts on display. While sleeping he dreams four famous Indian leaders visit him. We are introduced to these four leaders and given an interesting perspective on their lives, their values and culture. The Scout in the skit rededicates himself to the principals of the Order after listening to each of these four Indian leaders describe how great leaders embrace the same strength, perseverance and courage as those embodied in the American Indian culture.
The American Indian dancers that showcased dancing styles such as the Fancy Dance, Grass Dance, Straight Dance, Old-Style Dance, and Traditional Dance entertained Arrowmen. Arrowmen rose to their feet as the dancing and music intensified. The electricity in the room was building with each dance, as the national champion dancers were announced and given awards by the national chief and vice chief.
The National Vice Chief, Dan Higham, giving a speech about "The Power of One", rounded out the evening. Higham's speech was both inspirational and emotional for many, as he gave examples of the Power of One by telling personal stories of two very special individuals that he had met while recently traveling. One in particular, who had recently just lost his father about three weeks prior to the conference, was seen as an inspiration because of his ability to stay strong for his family in such a hard time. This individual had talked with Higham only a month prior to the event, and contacted Higham immediately following the passing of his father. Immediately following his speech, Higham removed his sash and neatly folded it to give to the special Arrowmen who was seated in the front row of Assembly Hall. 
The show ended with the final words from Adam Stone and his grandfather who instilled the theme, "The Power of One", into the audience of over 7,000 Arrowmen.
Revised 8/4/2009