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Eagle Ceremony #1
CEREMONY
BSA TROOP 508
WOODHAVEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
NOVEMBER 8, 1998
for
DUSTIN ASKINS
BEN JOHANSEN
TYLER HORNER
I. Introduction/Welcome
MC Roger Knapp On behalf of Troop 508, I would like to welcome
you to this Eagle
Court of Honor. This Court of Honor is unique for this
Troop in that we are recognizing
three scouts, Dustin Askins, Tyler Horner,
and Ben Johansen, who have covered the trail to
Eagle substantially together
from the beginning in Tiger Cubs. These scouts learned as
Webelos that the
Scout Oath signified a threefold duty:
Duty to God and Country
Duty to Others
Duty to Self
We will now begin to convene this Court of Honor in an act of doing our
duty to God.
J.R. Vassar former Youth Pastor of MacArthur Boulevard Baptist
Church will now give the
invocation.
II. Duty to God-Invocation
YP J.R.Vassar God spoke to Moses and it is recorded in Deuteronomy Chapter 6
of
the Bible (Read Deuteronomy 6:1-9). Proverbs 22:6 also say: "Train up a child in
the
way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.
The parents and leaders of these Eagle candidates have this responsibility and have
used the scouting program as a tool in this training. It is our prayer that these Eagle
candidates will continue through out their lives to follow the principles they have
learned.
Please join me in prayer. ( J.R. Vassar Offers a prayer for the occasion. All
three scouts
have participated in youth activities sponsored by MBBC)
III. Duty to Country-Flag Ceremony
MC Roger Knapp We will now participate in an act showing duty and respect for
our country.
Scouts of Troop 508 will now lead us in a flag ceremony.
(The head color guard now takes position at center stage. Color guards with the
American, and
Troop flags will enter from the back of the sanctuary at the command of the
head color guard. The
American Flag bearer Tommy Poynter and one color guard Jonathan
Poynter will enter, walk
down the right outside isle of the sanctuary, walk across the
base of the stage stairs from right to
left and post the flag on the left side of the
stage. The Troop ( Trey Parham and Ken Dubois ) flag
will do the same only
left to right.)
CG Aaron Israel
"Attention! Salute! Pledge of Allegiance! I Pledge ........................."
"two! You may be
seated. Color guard return to post."(Here the head color guard
and the flag bearers return
their seats via the back of the sanctuary)
(Now advance to the stage 4 scouts Keith Green , Ian Svajda ,Matthew
Adamson , Jack Teel .
Two taking position behind and one on each side of the
candle table.)
(Scout 1 Keith Green lights the single candle on the back table.)
"Before you stands a single lighted candle. It represents the spirit of Scouting.
This spirit makes
all the programs in scouting possible and is the spark that ignites the
scouting movement across
America. We will now use it to light the three candles that
represent the three colors of the
American Flag."
(Three scouts light their candles and say their part:)
SC2 Ian Svajda :
(as he lights the Red candle)
"The red of my flag is the lifeblood of brave men ready to die for our
country."
SC3 Matthew Adamson :
(as he lights the white candle)
"The white of my flag is for purity and cleanliness of purpose, thought, and
deed."
SC4 Jack Teel :
(as he lights the blue candle)
"The blue of my flag is for faith and loyalty, like the eternal blue of the star
filled heavens."
(Four scouts leave and be seated.)
IV. Convening The Court of Honor
MC Roger Knapp
"By the authority vested in me as a representative of the Circle Ten Council
and the
National Council, Boy Scouts of America, I declare this court of honor to be duly
convened."
"Today we have the honor and pleasure of recognizing Ben Johansen, Tyler Horner,
and
Dustin Askins, candidates for the rank of Eagle. This is an important and serious
matter.
Dustin’s, Benjamin’s and Tyler’s parents and scout leaders have
labored long and faithfully
to guide him towards alert and participating citizenship
through the boy scout program.
Their efforts culminate today in the presentation of this
Eagle Badge."
VII. The Candidates Trail to Eagle
(Presented here will be a personalized trail to Eagle following these three candidates
from
Tiger Cubs to Eagle)
MC Roger Knapp
It is appropriate that we recognize that the requirements to become an Eagle Scout are
designed
to provide a broad base of outdoor and basic life skills which increase in
difficulty. This progression
has the goal of preparing a boy towards the building of the
character of a young man. Actually the
Trail to Eagle formally begins when a boy becomes a
Scout a the age of 11 years. However, the
scouting trail began for these three young men
as boys of age between 6 and 7 in Tiger Cubs. Let
us take a moment to take a personal
recounting of the Trail to Eagle for Dustin, Ben, and Tyler.
XA Stan Green Tiger Cub and Bobcat
Upon entering the 2nd grade at T.J. Lee Elementary School, Tyler and Ben along with
their parents
joined Cub Scout Pack 509 as Tiger Cubs. Dustin entered Tiger cubs at Casa
View Elementary
School in Dallas, and during the year moved to T.J. Lee. In Tiger Cubs
they met once a month
along with one of their parents, usually Dad. Each of their monthly
meetings was built around a
program theme. Crafts, games, snacks and outings were
activities which began teaching skills,
cooperation and basic life principles. Search,
Discover, Share was the Oath of these Tiger Cubs.
Dustin’s Tiger Cub group became Cub Scout Den # 3, led by his mother Vicky Askins.
Tyler and
Ben’s Tiger Cub group became Cub Scout Den # 1 led by Mr. Mark Hummert.
Baden Powell,
the founder of Scouting based the Cub Scout program on one of the stories in
Rudyard Kipling’s
Jungle Book’s. It was called "Mowgli’s
Brothers". These young Cub Scouts came to know it as
the Story of Akela. Their first
step was to learn The Cub Scout Promise, The Law of The Pack,
and the Cub Scout motto.
When they had mastered these basic principles of scouting, Ben, Tyler,
and Dustin were
awarded their Bobcat Badges on the same Pack Meeting night. The Badge was
pinned on
upright as they were held upside down. When they had performed their first good deed
they
began their Duty to Others and turned the pin right side up.
XB Dale Owens Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts
The Trail continued as these new members of the Pack were guided by Akela along the
Wolf Trail.
Their tracks covered Achievements including Feats of Skill, Your Flag, Keeping
Your Body
Healthy, Knowing your Home and Community, Tools for Fixing and Building, Start a
Collection,
Your Living World, Cooking and Eating, Being Safe at Home and on the Street,
Family Fun, Duty
to God, and Making Choices. Den meetings for Tyler and Benjamin typically
had a time of
working on a craft or skill, a vigorous game, refreshments, and a closing
Cub Scout skill learning
contest. A half court basketball game in Mr. Hummert’s
driveway was a favorite when the weather
was good. By the spring of their second grade
year in school all three of these Scouts had earned
the rank of Wolf Cub Scout.
Then the summer came and it was time for Cub Scout Day Camp. A camp T-Shirt and a Den
which called themselves the Okapi added to the excitement. The Den Song went al little
like this:
"We’re the Okapis of Pack 509 - We’re the Okapis and we’re
mighty fine-We’re the Okapi’s of
Pack 509-We’re the Okapi’s,
We’re here rain or shine". The thrill of shooting B-B guns at the
Rifle range
and learning to shoot arrows with a bow, taking nature hikes, making crafts and
swimming
made Day Camp memories and helped to seal lasting friendships. Having, their own
campsite
even though there were no tents, made the adventure thrilling.
During the Third Grade these now experienced Cubs worked on more advanced skills toward
becoming Bear Cub Scouts. Special events added to their growth including the opportunity
to
design build and race a pinewood derby car, and taking part in the Scout Show at Texas
Stadium.
By early spring of their Third Grade year Tyler, Ben and Dustin had earned their Bear
Badge and
continued learning and demonstrating more skills to earn arrow points.
XC Dennis Baker Webelos
In the fall of their Fourth Grade year the Cubs from Dustin’s Den joined with
Benjamin’s and
Tyler’s Den to form a Webelos Den. Now they could wear uniforms
just like the Boy Scouts,
and to earn the Webelos Badge we showed our Webelos Leader that
we understood the Scout
Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, Salute, Sign, and Handclasp, along with
earning several activity badges
which were like Merit Badges. Also, we learned more about
our Duty to God, Country and
Others.
At this time Tyler took an extra step and earned the religious emblem of his faith.
This was a great
accomplishment for which he was recognized at his church where he was
presented the badge.
Den meetings were fun because the scouts learned skills for camping, home handyman,
fitness and
others which were already preparing them not only for Boy Scouting but for
their adult life and
citizenship. They can remember playing the shoe relay and turning out
the lights in the school
cafeteria and playing a game sending messages using Morse code
and a flash light.
Then came camping. The first experience for these three scouts came at a Webeloree at
Camp
Wisdom. It rained all day while they were in skill sessions in the camp mess hall. By
early evening
the clouds began to clear and even though it was muddy and getting dark,
these guys begged to
stay and camp. They were ready. So, the adults, three of which were
their fathers, agreed. They
cooked hamburgers and hot dogs (or maybe it was Boboli Pizzas
in a box oven), had a campfire,
and spent a momentous night under the stars. You could see
here that these three scouts were
destined to be in this ceremony today.
Before school was out in their fourth grade year, the entire Den had earned their
Webelos Badge.
For this, there was a special ceremony put on by Order of the Arrow members
from Troop 508.
What an inspiration to continue towards being a Boy Scout.
XD Richard Buckner Arrow of Light
Now in fifth Grade these three scouts continued their diligent work towards earning the
Arrow of
Light Award, which is the only Cub Scout badge which can be worn on their Boy
Scout uniform.
Now they showed proficiency in repeating from memory the Scout Oath, Law,
Motto and Slogan.
Here they began learning more emergency related First Aid by showing and
explaining how to
handle the "hurry up" cases. Demonstrations at Den meeting
were fun and they used first aid relays
to help them learn, remember and act quickly.
Required to complete The Arrow of Light Award
was the completion of four more activity
badges, which all three accomplished before the end of
March of their Fifth Grade year.
An additional requirement was that they participate in a Webelos Overnighter or Day
Hike. Well
these scouts had already been camping as first year Webelos, so they were ready
for the big time.
A weekend at Camp Cherokee which included a horseback ride around the
camp was their
adventure. Each boy had a parent joining them on this outing which turned
out to be an enjoyable
adventure. At night there was a visit by a racoon who thought he
was going to get something to
eat. Little did he know that Mr. Horner had risen early to
warm his feet by the fire, and he was
denied the treats that he could smell. These scouts
got an early lesson, that would carry them to
Philmont, about putting up your smellables
so the varmints can’t get them.
Well, with most of the requirements completed, the Den began the process of visiting
Boy Scout
Troop meetings to prepare them to make the decision of where to continue on the
Trail to Eagle.
Six out of eight of the scouts in the Den chose to join Troop 508. But
before the transition was
made to Boy Scouts the Order of the Arrow Members of Troop 508
staged an Arrow of Light
and Crossover Ceremony at the April Pack 509 Meeting. At this
time Dustin, Benjamin, and
Tyler along with fellow Troop 508 scouts Michael Baker and Mac
Thomasson, shot an arrow
into a target with the help of the Troop 508 Archer, and received
their Arrow of Light Award.
A memorable moment that night was the bridge crossover
ceremony by which they crossed over
from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. "Uncle" Herb
Boyd, Scoutmaster emeritus of Troop 508 and
two scouts, met these new scouts as they
crossed the bridge, to welcome them to the Troop and
show them that there would always be
someone there to help them carry their load.
MC Roger Knapp
In a special ceremony their Webelos Dad, Ken Johansen, tied a square knot in the tails
of their
Webelos neckerchief. It was said at the time that this knot would remain tied
until their Eagle
Ceremony. Thus, at this time, Honor Guard, please escort the Eagle
Candidates to the center
stage, for this symbolic untying.
Ken Johansen, since you were their Webelos Dad, would you come forward to untie the
knots
in their neckerchiefs.
(Ken Johansen also comes forward and recounts the earlier ceremony and congratulates
them
upon keeping their promise to themselves to complete the trail to Eagle. The Honor
Guard is then
asked to seat the candidates in the front center row for the remainder of
the Trail to Eagle Story.)
Honor Guard, please seat these Eagle Candidates as we continue telling of their Trail
to Eagle.
X Dennis Teel
By virtue of their Webelos and Arrow of Light preparation, it took very little time for
these young
scouts to earn the ranks of Scout and Tenderfoot. Their first camp out in
Troop 508 in May of
their fifth grade year was held at Fort Richardson. Here they saw the
Bird Lady and her many
rescued birds of prey. At this same camp out basic compass and
orienteering skills were taught
and an orienteering course was covered. This was the
beginning of the learning of skills that they
would later employ to hike ten days on the
trail at Philmont.
Their first summer camp was a trip to Camp Pioneer near Mena Arkansas. Here Dustin,
Tyler and
Benjamin were enrolled in the First Year Camper program where they each
substantially completed |
requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class
ranks. At the week’s end, they
witnessed their first Order of the Arrow tap out,
which was an inspiring experience in itself.
XF Dennis Teel Second Class - First Class
Along the trail through Second and First Class Scout, camping skills were learned and
experienced
including the correct use of hand axes, saws, and knives; how to pack for a
camp out without taking
everything but the kitchen sink. These three joined with their
patrol one cool Saturday in November to
hike a course through L.B. Houston Park that they
had laid out together using a topographical map and
a compass.
Camping was a major highlight along the Trail; once a month and always to someplace
different Their
was usually something memorable about every camp out. A Troop 508
Christmas camp out with Turkey
baked under the coals and all the trimmings will not be
forgotten. One February long school break
weekend took the troop to the Old Spanish Cave
near the Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri Borders.
What a thrill to explore in groups and pet
the bats hanging from the passage ceilings. Sometimes rainy
and cold weather set up
special camp out experiences, like the trip to Lake Lewisville when they spent
the rainy
mid afternoon making boats from paper plates, cups and markers. A race across a cove area
made Ben a winner with Tyler close behind.
XH Chuck Fry Star
Continuing to be active in Troop activities while in Junior High School, these three
Eagle Candidates began
earning merit badges towards earning he rank of Star. Swimming,
First Aid and Leather work Merit
Badges were three of the six required which were earned
at Camp Pioneer, their first summer camp. For
their troop positions of responsibility, Ben
served as the Troop Quartermaster, Dustin was Troop
Chaplin’s Aid, and Tyler was
Patrol Leader. They each took part in service projects totaling at least 6
hours. Tyler
participated in Jonathan Owens Eagle Project, Dustin participated in a workday at
Woodhaven
Presbyterian Church, and Benjamin aided in the painting of play ground equipment
at Fritz Park for a Taik
Ra’s Eagle Project.
Also, while working towards the Rank of Star, they all traveled with the Troop to
summer camp at Camp
Chris Dobbins in the Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch located northeast of
Colorado Springs, Colorado. This
was a memorable experience which included a quick dip in
the cold pool at 6:00 AM in the morning to earn
their Polar Bear Patch, cool sleeping
nights, a salad bar at meals, a Camp Director that did not like root
beer, and a tour of
the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs on the return trip home.
XI Carter Hallmark Life
For these three determined Scouts, the trail from Star to Life added to their scout
skills, personal
development, and adventure. They earned now up to a minimum total of 11
merit Badges which included
three more of those specifically required for Eagle. Of those
required, Dustin added Citizenship in the
Nation, Citizenship in the World, and Safety;
Tyler added Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the
World, and Citizenship in the
Community, and Ben added Communications, Emergency Preparedness,
and Citizenship in the
Nation.
Ben and Dustin and worked together on Emergency Preparedness at their next summer camp
stay at Camp
Cherokee. Also, at Cherokee Ben and Dustin took the Challenge and completed
the mile swim with Dustin
coaching and counting laps and Ben Swimming; Tyler missed this
summer camp and did his duty to others
by attending a special family reunion.
All three were elected by the Troop to be candidates for the Order of the Arrow, the
Brotherhood of
Honored Campers. Dustin took his Ordeal first at Camp Greyson on Lake
Texoma. Later that year Tyler
and Ben took their Ordeal at also Camp Greyson, where Dustin
unselfishly also attended as a member to
be sure Ben and Tyler earned their entry.
Their leadership skills continued to be developed as Tyler served as Patrol Leader,
Dustin was Troop
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Ben took on a second term as Troop
Quartermaster. Each were
required to take part in at least 6 hours of service projects.
For these Ben Took part for 18 hours in a
cleanup and repair of Tornado victims property
in Lancaster, Texas, Tyler helped with the Scouting for
Food drive and the Woodhaven Craft
Fair, and Dustin helped two scout with their Eagle service projects.
During their trail to Life, these Scouts along with 8 others from Troop 508 also began
their training,
physical conditioning, and upgrading of their hiking and camping equipment
in preparation for their July
1995 trip to Philmont Scout Ranch. Roger Knapp, since you
shared this 1995 adventure, would you take
a moment to share a few of the of the memories
of this trek for the audience.
MC Roger Knapp Philmont:
After a year of preparation, Dustin, Ben, and Tyler along with 8 other Troop 508 scouts
over the age of
14 and six adult leaders participated in a Trek at the Philmont Scout
Ranch during which they hiked the
mountains of Cimmaron New Mexico for ten days, carrying
food, shelter, clothing and necessary supply
provisions. Although a Trek at Philmont
includes an amount of hardship from weather and long hiking days,
each of these hikers
found challenge and enjoyment that makes them want to "go back to Philmont,
back-back
to Philmont.
Rogers Comments on Philmont - Dustin led the group as Crew Chief, Ben acted as Chaplin
and
In fact Tyler returned for a second Trek in the summer of 1998 with returning scout
Andrew Buckner and
other members of Troop 508.
XB Bob Harris Eagle
As these three Scouts entered MacArthur High School, together their scout training and
personal
determination led them to achieve in academics, music, and sports. They here
began to find the difficulty
of time management and maintaining priorities. But they
maintained a focus on their goal and the
importance of completing the trail. Each, as you
will later see, has become involved and achieved in a
manner their parents and scout
leaders are proud to see. However, this involvement lengthened their
individual trails to
Eagle.
To complete the Eagle requirements they added a minimum of 11 more merit badges
including four more
from a required list and 7 electives. Each served an additional six
months in a Troop Leadership position.
Tyler served as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader,
Dustin led the Troop and Patrol Leaders Council as Senior
Patrol Leader, and Ben served
two terms as Troop Chaplin. Dustin gained a valuable leadership experience
during the
Summer after his Sophomore year in High school when he worked on the Summer camp Staff at
Camp Constantine for the entire summer. But, during this time in High School each of these
scouts took
part in important character and leadership development activities, not the
least of these were their own
service projects required for the Eagle rank.
BH Bob Harris
Bob Harris’s Comments on Eagle Projects -
Tyler’s Project of installing a fence around the front courtyard of Travis Jr.
High.
Dustin’s project of building a hiking/nature trail at the Trinity River adjacent
to the Campion
biking, blading, and jogging trail.
Benjamin’s project of installing tree identification signs along the nature trail
along the Trinity River.
You can see from all these experiences along the Trail that each one was a building
block towards the
character, skill, and knowledge development of and Eagle Scout. Until
you review the Trail and later
have opportunity to utilize something you picked up along
it, you don’t really appreciate what you have
gained.
VII. Introduction of the Eagle Candidates
MC Roger Knapp
(Each of the candidates will be introduced with verbage to show the achievements and
positions
they have achieved in school and extra curricular activities which are examples
of the type
of individual parents and leaders had prepared them to become in part by the
training they
received in Scouting)
At this time we would like to bring forward the candidates for the Eagle Badge. As the
Honor Guard
escorts each candidate before this court of honor separately, I would like to
introduce them with a brief
description of some of their accomplishments and positions
outside of scouting which is an example to all
gathered here of the characteristics of
young men who rise to the rank of Eagle Scout.
Tyler Horner-Tyler is a Senior at MacArthur High School where he ranks in the top 25%
of his class
academically. He is as successful athletically as he is academically, as he
has participated for four years
in football, track and baseball. As a Junior, he was named
to the 2nd team All District in Football. This
year he is a Co-Captain on the Varsity
football team. Adding to his responsibilities and development, he
has worked at Tom Thumb
for the last year. He is very active in a local church youth group and has been
nominated
for Christian Athlete the year through F.C.A.
Dustin Askins-Dustin is a Senior at MacArthur High School, where he is in the top 25%
of his class
academically, and is in his second year of participating in the Peer
Assistance Leadership program, which
is a program to assist elementary school students. He
has been on the Cross Country team for 4 years
and this year has served as team captain.
Outside of school Dustin has been employed at Toys-R-Us for
two years where one of his
duties is to train new employees.
Ben Johansen - Ben is a Senior at MacArthur High school where he is a the treasurer of
the National
Honor Society and ranks in the top 20 in his class academically. He is a
member of the Mac Majic Show
Choir and has advanced to the All Region Choir the last two
years and has made area Choir this year.
Ben has been in the band for four years, was a
drum major his Junior year and is currently Head Drum
Major of the marching band. He has
earned a position in the Texas All State band in his Sophomore and
Junior years; he earned
the position of first chair baritone saxophone player in the All State Band his
Junior
year. He is active in his church youth group.
(The honor guard with Michael Baker, Steven Massey, Jonathan Owens, Adam Harris,
James Kang,
and Andrew Buckner individually escort Tyler, Dustin, and Benjamin down the
front isle to the center
stage area and about face to look toward the audience. Honor
guard stay in position around the
candidates.)
As you can see, all three of these Scouts have demonstrated doing their duty to God and
Country,
Others, and Self.
VIII. Introduction of Candidate Parents
MC Roger Knapp
As I introduce the parents of these Eagle Candidates, the Eagle Honor Guard will escort
them
to join their son’s for the presentation of the Scouts Eagle Badges.
Ken and Laurie Johansen
Steve and Vicki Askins
Bob and Chris Horner
( One Honor Guard Scout goes from the stage to the parents and takes the arm of the
mother
and with father following proceed to the stage. The Honor Guard remains standing by
the parents
they escorted until dismissed by the MC to sit with troop.)
Honor Guard Dismissed.
IX. Presentation of the Badges and Certificates
TBD John Eitson
A FOND MOTHER WATCHES HER BOY WHERE HE STANDS
APART FROM HIS COMRADS TONIGHT,
AS THEY PLACE ON HIS CAMP-BATTERED TUNIC A BADGE
AN EAGLE, THE EMBLEM OF RIGHT.
IT SEEMS JUST A FEW SHORT MONTHS HAVE PASSED SINCE HE JOINED WITH THE
YOUNGSTERS NEXT
DOOR.
HOW PROUD HE WAS THEN OF HIS TENDERFOOT PIN
AS HE TOLD HER THE MESSAGE IT BORE.
BUT THE YEARS HAVE GONE AS HE STRUGGLED ALONG
TO LEARN WHAT THE SCOUT LAW’S ABOUT;
HE PRACTICED THEM DAILY, THE OATH AND THE LAW
UNTIL NOW HE’S AN EAGLE SCOUT.
YOU MAY SMILE IN YOUR WORLDLY OLD WISDOM AT THIS
AND SAY, "WHY, IT’S ONLY A PIN."
BUT I TELL YOU NO HONORS HE’LL GAIN AS A MAN
WILL MEAN JUST AS MUCH TO HIM.
THE RED, WHITE, AND BLUE OF THE RIBBON
ARE THE SYMBOLS OF HONOR AND TRUTH.
HE HAS LEARNED HOW TO HONOR THESE FINE ATTRIBUTES
IN THE GLORIOUS DAYS OF YOUTH.
AND THE OUTFLINGING WINGS OF THE EAGLE THAT RESTS
ON THE BREAST OF THESE KNIGHTS OF TODAY
ARE THE THINGS THAT WILL LIFT HIM ABOVE PETTY DEEDS
AND WILL GUIDE HIM ALONG THE RIGHT WAY.
YES IT IS ONLY A PIN, JUST AN EAGLE SCOUT BADGE,
BUT THE HEART THAT’S BENEATH IT BEATS TRUE
AND WILL THROB TO THE LAST FOR THE THINGS WHICH ARE GOOD --
A LESSON FOR ME -- AND FOR YOU!
MC Roger Knapp
It is now the pleasure of this Court of Honor to present these new Eagles with their
Badges. Scoutmaster
Randy Svajda, would you please come preside over this presentation.
SM: Randy Svajda (Walks first to the podium microphone)
"Tyler, Benjamin, and Dustin having watched each of you complete your Eagle
Requirements over the
last few years, It is with great pride and pleasure that this court
of honor now presents you with the Eagle
Badge. We now proclaim to all the world your
accomplishments. The symbol of your success is the Eagle
badge and neckerchief, which will
now be presented to you."
Would Mr. Bob Harris and Mr. Roger knapp please come forward to help me with this
presentation.
Each of you have been Scoutmasters of Troop 508 during the time these scouts
have been on the Trail to
Eagle.
"Now Ben, Tyler and Dustin, your Mothers, who have provided encouragement,
support, and at times a
little prodding will have the honor of pinning the Eagle pin over
your heart." (Scoutmaster hands the
Badges to the mothers who inturn pin them on
their sons.)
This afternoon you have worn the neckercheifs of a Webelo and a Scout. Your Father who
has provided
role model guidance to you in your Trail to Eagle and to becoming a young man
will now replace your
Scout neckercheif with an Eagle Neckerchief.
(Scoutmaster assists father who takes the Troop scarf off and puts the Eagle Scarf and
tie slide on Dustin,
Tyler, and Ben. The Scoutmaster remains at the table to hand the
following awards to their presenters.)
"No one will ever know the unnumbered acts of self-sacrifice and helpfulness from
your mother which
have led to this day. As the symbol of what this mother has made
possible, the court now asks Dustin,
Tyler, and Ben to pin over his mother's heart this
miniature Eagle pin ."
"Your father has stood by you over the years and has offered his encouragement and
assistance. As the
symbol of what he has contributed to your attainment of this award, the
court now asks you to pin on him
this miniature Eagle tie tac."
"In recognition of fatherly advice and guidance along the trail to Eagle, I ask
Dustin’s, Tyler’s, and Ben’s
Dads to now present their sons with the Eagle
Scout certificate and letter from the chief Scout Executive,
Boy Scouts of America."
XIII Other Presentations - Troop Eagle Plaques
SC Randy Svajda
For you to have a remembrance on your room wall or maybe some day in your office, the
Troop presents each of you with an Eagle Plaque and Your Eagle Certificates.
MC
"I would now like to introduce Eagle Scouts
Michael Baker, Jonathan Owens,
Steven Massey,
Andrew Buckner, Adam Harris and James Kang to come forward and
give the Eagle Scout Charge."
X. Eagle Charge
EC (Michael Baker, Adam Harris, Andrew Buckner, Jonathan Owens , James Kang)
Jonathan Owens
"Ben, Dustin, and Tyler we your fellow Eagles have the honor of giving you the
Eagle charge on the
occasion of your reaching the highest rank in Scouting.
The Scouts of all nations constitute one of the most wholesome and significant
movements in the
world's history. You have been judged by the Boy Scouts of America of
being worthy of the highest
rank in this great movement. All who know you rejoice in your
achievement.
Andrew Buckner
Your position, as you know, is one of honor and responsibility. You are a marked man.
As an Eagle
Scout, you have assumed a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to
country, to your fellow
scouts and to mankind in general. This is a great undertaking. As
you live up to your obligations
you bring honor to yourself and to your brother scouts.
Your responsibility goes beyond your fellow scouts, to your country and God. America
has many
good things to give you and your children. But these good things depend for the
most part on the
quality of her citizens. Our country has had a great past. You can help
make the future even greater.
Adam Harris
I charge you, Tyler, Ben, and Dustin, to undertake your citizenship with a solemn
dedication. Be a
leader, but lead only toward the best. Lift up every task you do and
every office you hold to the high
level of service to God and to your fellow man. So live
and serve, that those who know you will be
inspired to finer living. We have too many who
use their strength and their brains to exploit others and
to gain selfish ends. I charge
you,Tyler, Ben, and Dustin, to be among those who dedicate their skills
and ability to the
common good.
Build America on the solid foundation of clean living, honest work, unselfish
citizenship, and reverence
for God; and, whatever others may do, you will leave behind a
record of which every other scout may
be justly proud.
James Kang
Benjamin, Dustin, and Tyler, you will now rededicate yourself by repeating the Scout
Oath. Repeat it
slowly, as you stand before the three lighted candles representing the
three parts of the scout oath.
XI. Candidates Oath
ES Steven Massey & Michael Baker (Will now lead his newly recognized
brothers in the Oath of the
Eagle.)
EC Steven Massey:
Scouts, Relatives, and guests please stand. (pause)
Eagle Candidates Tyler Horner, Ben Johansen, and Dustin Askins, I charge you to enter
this Eagle
Scout brotherhood, holding without reservation ever before you the ideals of
honor and service. By
the repeating of the Eagle Scout Promise before your fellow members,
you will dedicate yourselves to
the ideals of an Eagle scout. Though the words you use are
similar to those by which you joined
scouting, today you pledge yourself on your sacred
honor, you will be sealing your eternal loyalty to
the code of the Eagle Scout, with the
words which closed the declaration of independence.
Michael Baker
Eagle Scout candidates,Tyler Horner, Ben Johansen, and Dustin Askins,
make the
Scout Sign and repeat after me:
I reaffirm my allegiance --- to the three promises --- of the Scout Oath --- I
thoughtfully recognize ---
and take upon myself --- the obligations and responsibilities
--- of the rank of Eagle Scout. --- On my
honor --- I will do my best --- to make my
training an example --- my rank and my influence ---
count strongly --- for better
scouting --- and for better citizenship, --- in my troop --- and in my
community --- and
in my contacts --- with other people. --- To this I pledge --- my sacred honor.
Audience, please be seated.
By the authority vested in me by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of
America, it is my
privilege and pleasure to congradulate you Dustin, Tyler, and Ben for
being Troop 508's newest Eagle
Scouts. May the oath you have taken....remain graven on
your heart....forever!
MC Roger Knapp Dustin, Benjamin, and Tyler, as is a tradition for Troop 508
Eagle Scouts, would
each of you now sign the Eagle Board.
To Show comradship, will the Eagle Scouts of all ages in the audience please come up
and stand
across the front of the sanctuary with Tyler, Ben, and Dustin.
XII. Presentation By Armed Services
MC Roger Knapp Sargent Billy Blair, Dustin’s cousin will now make a
presentation from the Armed
Services of America. Sargent Blair Please come forward.
XIV Scoutmaster’s Minute
SM Randy Svajda
In the chapter titled "Finding One’s Life Work’, the 1940 Handbook
reads:
A Scout looks ahead. He prepares for things before they happen. He therefore meets them
easily.
He never just waits and hopes and accepts whatever comes, for to do so is the road
to failure. He
reaches high, strives long and hard toward honorable goals, and keeps ever
in mind Longfellow’s
invocation:
The heights by great men reached and kept, were not attained by sudden flight;
but
they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.
Experpted from Naturalist, by Edward O. Wilson.
XV. Benediction
MC Youth Pastor J.R. Vassar will now lead us in a closing prayer.
YP J.R.Vassar
Every tomorrow has two handles; we can hold by the handle of anxiety or by the handle
of faith
XVI Retiring of the Colors
MC Roger Knapp Would the Color Guards now retire the Colors.
CG Aaron Israel, etc. (Chief Color Guard comes to the center of the stage in
front of the new Eagle
scouts and gives the commands to the Colorguards to retire the
colors.) "Color Guards advance"
"Retreive the colors" "Return to
Post"
XVII. Closing of the Court of Honor
MC Roger Knapp I now declare this National Eagle Court of Honor closed. Eagles
you may
now be the first to congratulate these new Eagles for their achievement. Audience,
a reception
will be held in the Fellowship Hall across the walk from the sanctuary. The
Eagles and their parents
will take a few minutes for pictures before proceeding to the
reception.
XVIII Time for Pictures, others go over to reception.
XIX. Reception
Ceremony #2
EAGLE CEREMONY of Mark Massey
(Sam Samburger escort parents into church.)
(Adults of troop 508 file into church. N Voekle goes to the podium. The remainder sit
front left pews.)
(Scouts file into church. Nathan B., Blake, & Zach go behind the three candles. The
twelve candle lighters
sit in front R pews. All others sit on the left behind the adults.)
MC: N. Voekle
"On behalf of Troop 508, I would like to welcome all of you to this Eagle Court of
Honor. Will everyone
please rise for the presentation of the colors followed by the pledge
of allegiance." ....."Color guard advance."
(Color guard: Chad Hooten leader, Steven Massey carry USA flag, and Josh Archer carry
troop flag. Flags
are posted.)
Chad Hooten:
"Attention! Salute! Pledge of Allegiance! I Pledge ........................."
"two! You may be seated. Color guard
dismissed."
MC: N. Voekle
"The invocation will now be given by Phil Mecer, Minister of the First Methodist
Church of Irving."
Invocation: Phil Mecer
Opening MC: N. Voekle
"By the authority invested in me as a representative of the Circle Ten Council and
the National Council,
Boy Scouts of America, I declare this court of honor to be duly
convened."
"Today we have the honor and pleasure of recognizing this candidate for the rank of
eagle. This is an
important and serious matter. Mark's parents and scout leaders have
labored long and faithfully to guide
him towards alert and participating citizenship
through the boy scout program. Their efforts culminate today
in the presentation of this
eagle badge."
(N Voekle lights the single candle on the back table.)
"Before you stands a single lighted candle. It represents the spirit of Scouting.
This spirit makes all the
programs in scouting possible and is the spark that ignite the
scouting movement across America. We will
now use it to light the three candles that
represent the three colors of the American Flag."
(Three scouts light their candles and say their part:)
Blake Rice:
(as he lights the Red candle)
"The red of my flag is the lifeblood of brave men ready to die for our country."
Nathan Brann:
(as he lights the white candle)
"The white of my flag is for purity and cleanliness of purpose, thought, and
deed."
Zach Pohl:
(as he lights the blue candle)
"The blue of my flag is for faith and loyalty, like the eternal blue of the star
filled heavens."
(Three scouts leave and be seated.)
MC: N Voekle:
"Scoutmaster Scott Pohl will now give us the scouting percentages."
Scott Pohl:
Of any one hundred boys who become scouts, it must be confessed that thirty will drop out
in their first year,
and less than two percent will make it to Eagle. Perhaps this may be
regarded as a failure, but in later life all
of these will remember that they had been
scouts and will speak well of the program.
Of the one hundred, only rarely will one ever appear before a juvenile court judge. Twelve
of the one hundred
will be from families that belong to no church. Through scouting, these
twelve and many of their families will
be brought into contact with a church and will
continue to be active all their lives. Six of the one hundred will
become pastors.
Each of the one hundred will learn something from scouting. Almost all will develop
hobbies that will add
interest throughout the rest of their lives. Approximately one-half
will serve in the military and in varying
degrees profit from their scout training. At
least one will use it to save another person's life and many will
credit it with saving
their own.
Two of the one hundred will reach the eagle rank and at least one will later say that he
valued his eagle above
his college degree. Many will find their future vocation through
merit badge work and scouting contacts.
Seventeen of the one hundred boys will later
become scout leaders and will give leadership to thousands
of additional boys.
Only one in four boys in America will become scouts, but it is interesting to know that of
the national leaders
in business, religion, and politics, seventy five percent were
scouts.
This story will never end. Like the golden pebble of service dropped into the human sea,
it will continue to
radiate in ever widening circles, influencing the characters of men
down through unending time.
MC N Voekle:
"The twelve points of the Scout Law are the most important lessons the scout learns
on his long journey to
Eagle. These are the true tests of the scout's worthiness to wear
the eagle badge."
(The following 12 scouts line up front right. Then one at a time they go to the right
podium, read their lines,
go light their candle with the spirit candle, and leave the left
side to sit with the other scouts. Last scout leave
spirit candle burning on the back
center of that front table.)
Jonathan Owens:
"A scout is TRUSTWORTHY. A scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is a
part of his code
of conduct. People can always depend on him."
Steven Massey:
"A Scout is LOYAL. A Scout is true to his family, friends, scout leaders, school,
nation and world
community."
Jason Fulbright:
"A scout is HELPFUL. A scout is concerned about other people. He willingly volunteers
to help others
without expecting payment or reward."
Scott Luebbert:
"A scout is FRIENDLY. A scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other scouts. He
seeks to understand
others. He respects those with ideas and customs that are different
from his own."
John Clay:
"A scout is COURTEOUS. A scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position.
He knows that good
manners make it easier for people to get along together."
Taylor Young:
A scout is KIND. A scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others
as he wants to be
treated. He does not harm or kill anything without reason."
David Wheeler:
"A scout is OBEDIENT. A scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He
obeys the laws of his
community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair,
he tries to have them changed in an orderly
manner rather than disobey them."
Ben Husa:
"A scout is CHEERFUL. A scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does
tasks that come his way.
He tries to make others happy."
James Clay:
"A scout is THRIFTY. A scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for
the future.
He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and
property."
Kevin Enochs:
"A scout is BRAVE. A scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage
to stand for what
he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him."
Barry Fry:
"A scout is CLEAN. A scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with
those who
believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community
clean."
Nathan Gottlieb:
"A scout is REVERENT. A scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious
duties. He respects
the beliefs of others."
MC: N Voekle:
"At this time we would like to bring forward the candidate for the Eagle Badge. Would
the honor guard
please escort before this court of honor, eagle candidate Mark
Massey."
(The honor guard with Tommy Proctor, Al Voekle, Colby Adamson, and Sam Samburger escort
Mark
down the front isle to the right front area and about face to look toward the MC.
Honor guard stay in position
around Mark.)
Voice of the Eagle:
(Seven following adults will go up to left podium and read their part. The next adult to
read should move up
early to be ready to step up and read as soon as the present reader is
through.)
1-Jim Dunkley:
I am the Eagle. Since the beginning of time, man has used me and my brothers as a symbol
of royalty, power,
victory, authority and valor. My strength and courage has inspired men
through the ages. Ancient man looked
upon me as an natural enemy of serpents. They saw the
battle between the sun and clouds as battles between
an eagle and a serpent."
2-James Clay:
The ancient assyrians associated me with Ashur, the great sun god. I was awed and
worshiped for my majestic
beauty. In the Assyrian myths, I was a symbol of storms and
lightning and the god who carried souls to
Hades...In India and Babylon I was the symbol
of fire, of wind, and storms, and the bringer of immortality."
3-Susan Shamburger:
"In the golden age of Greece, I was a symbol of victory and supreme spiritual energy.
I was the sacred bird of
Zeus, the ruler of all gods. The Greeks represented me with wings
outstretched, holding a serpent in my claws.
Thus, I represented the triumph of good over
evil.---In Rome, I was the symbol of Jupiter, the supreme god.
The Romans saw me as the
symbol of victory. As the Roman legions conquered the world, they marched under
the
standard of the eagle, with outstretched wings. The silver eagle was the symbol of the
republic and the
Roman Empire used the golden eagle as its symbol. I became the personal
emblem of the Caesars, representing
supreme authority."
4-Chuck Fry:
"In the Middle ages, I became the symbol of Germany. And, as falconry flourished as a
sport in Europe, only
kings were allowed to hunt with an eagle.---The rise of Christianity
brought me still more honor. To the early
Christians, the eagle was the symbol of Christ
rising into Heaven. This was due to the strong flight of the eagle
with its gaze fixed on
the sun. In early icons I was best known as the symbol of St. John the Evangelist."
5-Gary Husa:
"In the 19th century, French troops under napoleon conquered Europe under the symbol
of the eagle. Many
French soldiers gave their lives to protect the golden eagle which
supported the French flag on the battleground
.---On June 20, 1782, I became the symbol of
a new country. Because of my courage and beauty, I was
chosen to symbolize the new United
States of America. The eagle became a prominent feature of the seal of
state of the new
republic."
6-Jim Enochs:
"From this early beginning, I have been used in many ways to symbolize the ideals of
this country. Several states
have the eagle on their state flags. You can find me on the
corns of America from the beginning to present day.
---I have a prominent place in America,
as in ancient Rome, as a symbol of power and authority. The emblems
of the President,
Vice-President, and most branches of the armed forces center on the eagle."
7-Jerry Wicker:
"From the god of the Assyrians to the symbol of the Caesars to the emblem of this
country, it was thus fitting
that the eagle should have a part in the most momentous
achievement of man. The Apollo 11 Crew chose
Eagle as the name for the lunar module which
was to make history. And with the words of Eagle Scout Neil
Armstrong: "Houston,
Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed!"....Man was on the moon.---In 1911,
following tradition as old as man himself, the Boy Scouts of America chose the eagle to
symbolize the very
highest in achievement. Through all of history, I have been the symbol
of man's best, now I am the symbol of
scouting's best."
MC: N Voekle:
"Will the candidate Mark Massey please proceed to center stage. Honor guard
dismissed."
(Colby proceed to stage by the table with awards. Other three retreat down center isle to
be seated with other
scouts. Will Ezell proceed to table beside Colby.)
MC: N Voekle:
"Now Kevin Johnson, Executive of Western Star District, Circle Ten Council of th Boy
Scouts of America,
will now give the eagle badge requirements as inspected by the board of
review."
Eagle Requirements:
Kevin Johnson:
"The Boy Scout movement constitutes one of the most wholesome and significant
developments of our day.
Are you worthy of the highest rank in its membership? As as eagle
scout you will be asked to assume a solemn
obligation to do your duty to God, country,
fellow scouts, fellow citizens, and yourself. This is a great
undertaking. It was,
therefore, proper that a board of review make a careful examination of your achievements.
In order that all may understand the completeness of its examination, I will review the
findings of the board of
review."
"The first consideration in examining Mark was his proficiency in the various crafts
and skills prescribed for the
eagle rank. Mark presented a record of the merit badges he
had earned and they were carefully checked. The
board found him fully qualified having
earned the twenty-one required badges."
"Another important consideration for the eagle rank is leadership. The board of
review has fully reviewed
Mark's leadership in his unit, school, church, and community. We
found that he demonstrates this ability in
activities that are constructive and
worthwhile."
"Last and most important is Mark's character. It was our finding that he is striving
to put into daily practice the
principles of the scout oath and law which include
integrity and honor, and we believe that he will continue
those habits of conduct in the
future. Our finding was that Mark Massey is worthy of the eagle rank."
MC: N Voekle:
"Will Eagle Scout Sam Shamburger please escort the parents of the eagle candidate to
his side."
(Sam takes the arm of mother and with father following proceed to stage. Sam retires to
sit with troop.)
"It is with great pride and pleasure that this court of honor now presents you with
the Eagle Badge. We now
proclaim to all the world your accomplishments. The symbol of your
success is the Eagle badge and
neckerchief, which will now be presented to you."
(Will assists Colby who takes the old scarf off and puts the Eagle Scarf and tie slide on
Mark. Colby and
Will now remain at the table to hand the following awards to their
presenters.)
Darryl Fulbright:
"Now your Mother, who has more pride and love for you than ever before, will pin the
eagle pin over your
heart."
"No one will ever know the unnumbered acts of self-sacrifice and helpfulness from
your mother which have
led to this day. As the symbol of what this mother has made
possible, the court now asks Mark to pin over
his mother's heart this miniature Eagle pin
and give her a kiss."
S. Ezell: (reading from right hand podium as Mark puts pin on Mom)
"xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"
Darryl Fulbright:
"Your father has stood by you over the years and has offered his encouragement and
assistance. As the symbol
of what he has contributed to your attainment of this award, the
court now asks you to pin on him this miniature
Eagle tie tac."
"In recognition of fatherly advice and guidance along the trail to Eagle, I ask
Mark's Dad to now present his son
with the Eagle Scout certificate and letter from the
chief Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America."
MC: N Voekle:
"I would now like to introduce Eagle Scout and assistant Scoutmaster Mickey Wheeler
to come forward and
give the Eagle Scout Charge."
Eagle Charge:
Mickey Wheeler:
"Mark, I have the honor to give you the Eagle charge on the occasion of your reaching
the highest rank in
Scouting.
The Scouts of all nations constitute one of the most wholesome and significant movements
in the world's history.
You have been judged by the Boy Scouts of America of being worthy
of the highest rank in this great movement.
All who know you rejoice in your achievement.
Your position, as you know, is one of honor and responsibility. You are a marked man. As
an Eagle Scout, you
have assumed a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to country,
to your fellow scouts and to mankind in
general. This is a great undertaking. As you live
up to your obligations you bring honor to yourself and to your
brother scouts.
Your responsibility goes beyond your fellow scouts, to your country and God. America has
many good things
to give you and your children. But these good things depend for the most
part on the quality of her citizens.
Our country has had a great past. You can help make
the future even greater.
I charge you, Mark, to undertake your citizenship with a solemn dedication. Be a leader,
but lead only toward
the best. Lift up every task you do and every office you hold to the
high level of service to God and to your
fellow man. So live and serve, that those who
know you will be inspired to finer living. We have too many who
use their strength and
their brains to exploit others and to gain selfish ends. I charge you, Mark, to be among
those who dedicate their skills and ability to the common good.
Build America on the solid foundation of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship,
and reverence for
God; and, whatever others may do, you will leave behind a record of
which every other scout may be justly
proud.
Mark, you will now rededicate yourself by repeating the Scout Oath. Repeat it slowly, as
you stand before the
three lighted candles representing the three parts of the scout oath.
(Mark gives the scout sign and repeats the oath slowly.)
Your conduct along the trail has been excellent. You have rededicated yourself to the
principles of scouting,
but one more thing is important: your future.
This is not the end of the trail, but the beginning of a new epoch of your life. As an
eagle scout, you become a
guide to other scouts of lower rank. You become an example in
your community. Remember that your actions
are now a little more conspicuous and people
will expect more of you. To falter in your responsibility would
not only reflect upon you,
but on your fellow Eagles and all scouting. The torch you carry is not only yours, but
it
is ours also.
Mark, I challenge you to enter this Eagle brotherhood, holding ever before you, without
reservation, the ideals
of honor and service, by the repetition of the Eagle Scout Promise
before your fellow members. Though the
words you use are similar to those by which you
joined scouting, they will mean more now than they could
have meant at any time in the
past. When you pledge yourself on your sacred honor, you will be sealing your
eternal
loyalty to the code of the Eagle Scout, with the words which closed the Declaration of
Independence.
Scouts, Relatives, and guests please stand. (pause)
Eagle Scout candidate, Mark Massey, make the scout sign and repeat after me:
I reaffirm my allegiance --- to the three promises --- of the Scout Oath --- I
thoughtfully recognize --- and take
upon myself --- the obligations and responsibilities
--- of the rank of Eagle Scout. --- On my honor --- I will
do my best --- to make my
training an example --- my rank and my influence --- count strongly --- for better
scouting --- and for better citizenship, --- in my troop --- and in my community --- and
in my contacts ---
with other people. --- To this I pledge --- my sacred honor.
Audience, please be seated.
By the authority vested in me by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America,
it is my privilege
and pleasure to pronounce you an Eagle Scout. May the oath you have
taken....remain graven on your heart....
forever!
MC: N Voekle:
"Will the new Eagle Scout Mark Massey please sign the troop 508 Eagle Board."
(Mark goes over and signs his name and date of round board.)
"Will George Adamson please come up to say a few words about Mark and make a special
presentation."
George Adamson Speech. (Speech and present Gold Coin)
Awards presentation:
MC: N Voekle:
"The Mark's family will now present a their gift."
(Mom and Dad present family gift.)
"C.Proctor will now present a troop 508 gift."
Carl Proctor:
"The adults of Troop 508 feel that the scout must earn every badge and rank in the
long journey to Eagle
Scout. We do not just pass a boy along because he shows up at the
troop meetings. He must prove he is
worthy and we are proud of the many Eagle Scouts that
have come from Troop 508. To show our
appreciation and pride in your accomplishment, we
would like to give you this Eagle Scout Plaque.
Good luck and happy Scouting."
MC: N Voekle:
"Mart Hamilton has some presentations which will now be given."
Mart Hamilton:
"Mark, by the virtue of your earning the Eagle Award, you are now eligible to become
a member of the
National Eagle Scout Association. Your troop has enrolled you as a 10-year
member in the association
and I have the honor of presenting your membership to you. Fail
not your fellow Eagles, for your responsibilities
are now greater than before. As you go
forward in life, receiving other honors and awards, always remember
this day when you
became an Eagle Scout. As your former leader, I wish you the very best."
MC: N Voekle:
"Now the representatives of the local Elks Lodge will come forward to make their
presentation."
(Elks make presentation)
"To show the comradeship and fellowship, will the Eagle Scouts in the audience please
come up and shake
Mark's hand in congratulations, and remain standing up here with
him."
(Eagles come up.)
"Herb Boyd, Silver Beaver and Scoutmaster Emeritus, will now give the
benediction."
Herb Boyd:(If Herb can't be present, Cliff Chamberlain.)
"Let us pray.........
"Dear Father in Heaven, we thank you for this opportunity to come together today...to
celebrate life,....to
celebrate our youth growing into adulthood,....to celebrate this boy
scout on his day of success. Please continue
to guide him in his future endeavors.
Take with you words, strong words of courage:
Words that have wings!...
Take with you holy words, words that know God;
Words that are sacred as healing waters,
Pure as light, and beautiful as morning,
Take with you tall words, words that reach up,
And growing words, with deep life within them.
Take with you holy words, words that know God. AMEN"
MC: N Voekle:
"I now declare this National Eagle Court of Honor closed. Will the color guard please
retire the colors.
Audience please stand...........Mark will follow the color guard...and
the Eagle Scouts on stage will follow
him, symbolizing their willingness to stand behind
and support their fellow Eagles"
(Ben Brakefield stands behind the USA flag and Nathan Smith behind the Troop Flag while
Aaron Clancy
stands center stage. Aaron announces "Retire Colors" and the two
Scouts pick up the flags. Aaron leads
down the center isle, followed by the two flags,
followed by Mark Massey, followed by all the Eagle Scouts,
followed by the two parents.)
" Thank you for coming today. You are invited to attend a reception in the next
building where you may
congratulate our newest Eagle Scout: Mark Massey."
------END------
Ceremony #3
Spirit of the Wind Eagle Ceremony
My Brother, It is well. You will soon wear the wings of an Eagle over your heart. But,
so that the Spirit of the Eagle may also fill your heart, listen first to the wisdom of
the
Winds.
I am the Spirit of the East Wind. I represent the Common Law, your duty to God
and to Country. Trustworthy, loyal, and helpful, are the qualities which a man must
possess who lives by the laws and rules of this land. See that we do not lose this
great blessing of a lawful land.
As the Spirit of the West Wind, I represent the Law of Equity, your duty to others.
Friendly, courteous and kind are the laws that breathe of conscience. They create the
atmosphere that comes from within your heart. The desire for you always to be friend
to those of all ages, young and old alike. Courteous to those who pass along your
trail. Cast away the harmful spirit of unfriendliness and selfishness.
I am the Spirit of the South Wind. I represent the Civil Law, your duty to self.
Obedient, cheerful and thrifty are the characteristics of civility. A life of cheerful
obedience is necessary for your true self development. Obedience is something
everyone has to learn--to take orders and carry them out cheerfully. Real thrift means
earning, spending wisely and saving, and to share with those less fortunate.
I am the Spirit of the North Wind, the most powerful of all. I represent the Divine Law.
Brave, clean, and reverent. To be brave is to be unselfish. To be clean in body and
soul is to be pure in heart. Cast from your mind and body any evil spirit that tries to
weaken or destroy the Divine Law. Live a life of reverence. Be brave and clean.
I am now pleased to deliver the Eagle Scout Charge. I invite all Eagle Scouts present
to come forward and participate in the Charge.
Scout , I charge you to enter this Eagle Scout Brotherhood, holding ever
before you, without reservation, the ideals of honor and service. By your recitation of
the Eagle Scout Pledge before your fellow Scouts, you will become an Eagle Scout.
Though the words you use are similar to those you used when you joined Scouting,
today they will mean more than they could have meant at any time in the past. When
you pledge yourself on your sacred honor, you will be sealing your eternal loyalty to
the code of the Eagle Scout, with the words which closed the Declaration of
Independence -- "To this I pledge my sacred Honor".
Will the audience please rise. Eagle Candidate, raise the Scout Sign and repeat after
me.
I reaffirm my allegiance to the three promises of the Scout Oath ....
I thoughtfully recognize and take upon myself the obligations and responsibilities
of the Rank of Eagle Scout ....
On my honor I will do my best to make my training an example .....
my rank and my influence count strongly for better scouting .....
and for better citizenship in my troop....
in my community and in my contacts with other people ....
To this I pledge my sacred honor ....
(To Audience) Please be seated.
By the authority vested in me by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of
America, it is my privilege and pleasure to pronounce you an Eagle Scout. As
evidence of this, I award you the Eagle Scout Certificate of the National Council of
the Boy Scouts of America. May the oath you have taken remain graven on your
heart forever. Eagle Scout, you are now a marked man!
Ceremony #4
BSA T10, DON EDDS
EAGLE.CER
VER 5/95
BOY SCOUT TROOP 10
EAGLE COURT OF HONOR
OPENING: MATT STREIGEL
Please stand for the presentation of Colors.
Scouts advance the colors!
Will the audience join us in the Pledge of Allegiance?
Scouts, Salute!
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE .......
Two!
Post colors!
Color Guard Retreat.
The audience may be seated.
I would like to welcome you to Troop 10's Eagle Court of Honor. It is my pleasure to
introduce
Mitch Harlan & Josh Butz, who will be giving the invocation.
INVOCATION: MITCH HARLAN & JOSH BUTZ
OPENING OF THE EAGLE COURT: DISTRICT EXECUTIVE:
As District Executive of Chief Old Ox District Lincoln Heritage Council B.S.A., I hereby
declare the
Eagle Court of Honor officially open. Will the escorts please escort Scout
NATHAN KOERBER
forward to the candelabra.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we are about to confer the Award of Eagle upon NATHAN KOERBER of
Boy
Scout Troop 10. Before he actually receives his badge, however, we wish to be sure that
you,
who are friends, neighbors, relatives, and fellow scouts fully appreciate the rare
distinction that soon
will be his.
The Award of Eagle is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a member of the Boy
Scouts of
America. It compares favorably with honors, degrees, and titles conferred by
religious, civic, fraternal,
and service organizations of the state and nation. Just as
the spotlight is on this young man, so will the eyes
of men be upon him always.
(LIGHTS OUT).
VOICE OF THE EAGLE: DON EDDS
This is the voice of the Eagle. The Eagle whose heights you have struggled hard to reach.
We remember well
when you first came to the base of the cliff, and how you looked up with
ambition and determination. Look
back for a moment; look down the cliff you have climbed;
look at the experiences you have encountered in
your ascent.
These experiences should not be forgotten. You should profit by making sure adverse
experiences do not
occur again. NATHAN, experience is a valuable teacher, if you heed its
teachings. We remember when you
took your first step upon the trail that leads upward.
First you were only a scout.
(Honor guard and candidate walk slowly to Scout sign).
With that first step you began to build yourself physically, mentally, and morally. You
started living the Scout
Oath and Law. All the while you were on the trail, we watched you
study and we saw you learned by doing.
You learned the Scouting ways, the handshake, the
slogan, to do a good turn daily, and the motto, to be
prepared and your brother Scouts
called you, a Tenderfoot.
(Honor guard and candidates walk slowly to Tenderfoot sign).
. . . and they were right, you were indeed a Tenderfoot Scout. You were placed in a patrol
with a group of
boys who were strangers but many would soon become lifelong friends. You
went on your first campouts
where you began to learn the basics of Scouting; Camping,
Hiking, Cooking and Citizenship. Soon, you
reached the second ledge and there you were
greeted by a large group of Second Class Scouts.
(Honor guard and candidate walk slowly to Second Class sign).
To reach the rank of Second Class Scout, a Scout learns to work with members of his Patrol
and he begins
to develop Patrol spirit. Some, like you, were stopping to catch their
breaths before continuing along the trail.
As a Second Class Scout you began to study more
and develop a proficiency in things like; Fire Building,
Knife and Ax, First Aid and
Swimming. You worked harder, and almost before you knew it, you came to
another ledge
where First Class Scouts dwell.
(Honor guard and candidates walk slowly to First Class sign).
There you found a tempting green meadow by a crystal-clear stream bathed in the sunlight.
Here you were
tempted to remain. When a Scout reaches the rank of First Class Scout in
Troop 10, he is really first class.
He is an expert in the outdoor skills of; Camping,
Cooking, Hiking, and First Aid. In Troop 10 a First Class
Scout becomes a member of the
Venture team and begins the advanced training of a Senior Scout. And yes
the advanced
adventures of a Senior Scout begin there also.
VOICE:
Yes, you could have remained there to live in First Class glory, but your ambition stirred
you on. We remember
your advancement to Star Scout.
(Escorts lead NATHAN to candelabra and they say Scout Oath & Law lighting candles as
they go)
(Honor guard and candidates walk slowly to Star sign).
A Star Scout learns to work with the younger boys in the Troop, passing along the
knowledge he has gained.
A Star Scout begins to perfect his leadership skills and takes
part in many community service projects. The
trail from First Class to Star was not as
difficult as it had seemed. This spurred you on, and again you climbed
further. The trail
was steeper, and was less worn. Fewer Scouts seemed to be headed in your direction.
You
looked down and saw the crowds below you. You looked up and saw a few above you, and with
that
same determination with which you started your climb, you continued up the trail to
Life Scout.
(Honor guard and candidates walk slowly to Life sign).
Soon, the Life Scout badge - the heart badge - was placed on your uniform. You will never
forget the thoughts
in your heart, a feeling that has been experienced by most Scouts on
reaching the ledge of Life. Now I am
close to the Eagle; I will carry on.... The trail
became tougher, but more interesting. The original principles,
the Scout Oath and Law, now
had a fuller meaning. Your understanding of them was greater. The rank of
Eagle is
Scouting's highest award.
(Honor guard and candidates walk slowly to Eagle sign).
The Eagle Scout must earn the specified number of merit badges and must plan, develop, and
carry out an
extensive service project, giving leadership to others. He must also serve as
a Troop officer for a specified
time. He must set an example by which the younger Scouts
can learn.
Yes, we have watched your character unfold and become mature; we have seen your
understanding of
citizenship expand; we have watched your mind develop and your wisdom
increase; and we observed
your leadership ability growing into a valuable asset. We have
seen all these things in you, and now that
you are at the threshold of your goal, we
welcome you, for you have done your climbing in a true Scoutlike
manner. Now your Asst.
Scoutmaster STEVE WEIGEL will present your advancement record for all to hear.
(SPOT LIGHTS ON FULL).
(Escorts are dismissed to the side)
ADVANCEMENT HISTORY: ASM: STEVE WEIGEL
The awarding of the Eagle badge is an important and serious occasion; the climax and the
goal of which a
Scout works for many years. An occasion for pride and joy, a time for
serious contemplation. It is the
culmination of efforts of the various leaders of this
Scout. The Eagle Award is the highest and most coveted
rank in Scouting; the last major
step in the advancement program. Less than 2 percent of all Scouts in the
United States
reach the Eagle rank. At this point, we trust you have achieved our purpose in the
building of
character, training of leadership, and the practice of service.
The following is a resume of NATHAN 's personal and Scouting history.
(READ RESUME).
The requirements of the Eagle rank are as follows:
a. Earn 21 merit badges including 12 which are required.
b. Serve actively in a troop leadership position for a period of six
months after becoming Life.
c. Plan, develop, and carry out a service project worthy of an Eagle
Scout.
d. Appear before a board of review of prominent persons and satisfy them
that you have done your best to
understand and live up to the Scout Oath and Law and, in
all ways, qualify for Eagle Scout.
Careful examination has been made by the court as to the qualifications of this applicant
for the Eagle Award.
Proficiency in the various crafts and skills prescribed for Eagle
rank have been checked, and the records of
merit badges earned by the Scout have been
approved and certified by the counselors appointed by the court.
The Scout has qualified
on the basis of merit badge achievement.
The applicant has demonstrated his capacity and willingness to exert leadership ability in
the activities that are
constructive and worthwhile in this community. The record has been
checked in Troop leadership, school
affairs, and in other fields of work and service. He
has demonstrated loyalty and duty to God and country.
We believe him qualified to receive
the rank of Eagle Scout.
VOICE: DON EDDS
Mr. ASST. SCOUTMASTER, has Eagle Candidate conducted himself in a manner that exemplifies
real
Scouting?
Mr. ASST. SCOUTMASTER responds, "HE HAS" and then sits down
VOICE:
Will the escorts please escort Mr. & Mrs. KOERBER to the front.
(PAUSE to allow escorts to bring parents forward and then escorts return to their seats).
Fellow Eagle, we now proclaim to all the world your accomplishment. The symbol of your
success is the
Eagle badge now presented to you by your Scoutmaster CHUCK BOTTORFF. Your
Scoutmaster is the
one who has wisely counseled you and advised you on your trail to
Eagle. He will pin the badge over your
heart. He is as proud of you as your parents are.
And now, Eagle Scout NATHAN KOERBER, in recognition of the many hours of patient guidance
given by
your parents, will you pin this Eagle Mother's Pin over your mother's heart?
(PAUSE)
Also, NATHAN please present your father with this Eagle Scout's Father's tie pin for him
to wear so all know
that he has a son who is an Eagle Scout.
Now Mr. BOTTORFF will read letters of recognition that have come in from all over the
country.
PRESENTATION OF RECOGNITION: CHUCK BOTTORFF
We have received recognition from the following people:
READ LETTERS & NOTICE ANY PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
VOICE:
Now my fellow Eagle let this not be the end of your Scouting but go onto greater heights
and give to others
the benefits of your experience.
Will Eagle Scout JOE SHOPE please administer to our new Eagle Scout the Eagle charge?
EAGLE CHARGE: JOE SHOPE
Would all Eagle Scouts in the room please come forward and stand behind NATHAN. (PAUSE)
NATHAN my charge to you is to enter this Eagle Scout brotherhood, holding , without
reservation, the ideals
of honor and service. Your position, as you well know, is one of
honor and responsibility.
You NATHAN, are a marked man.
My charge to all of you, is to build America of the solid foundations of clean living,
honest work, unselfish
citizenship, and reverence for God. Then, whatever others may do,
you will leave behind a record of which
you may be justly proud.
Now NATHAN you will dedicate yourself to the principles of all that being an Eagle Scout
means and your
fellow Eagle Scouts shall at the same time rededicate themselves to the
principals which they pledged
themselves to when they received their Eagle Scout award.
EAGLE SCOUTS ATTENTION!
EAGLES SCOUT SIGN!
REPEAT AFTER ME.
I reaffirm my allegiance for the three promises of the Scout Oath.
I thoughtfully recognize and take upon myself ..............
the obligations and responsibilities .......................
of the rank of Eagle Scout. ................................
On my honor I will do my best ..............................
to make my training an example .............................
to make my rank and influence count strongly ...............
for better Scouting and for better citizenship, ............
in my troop and my community, ..............................
and in my contacts with other people. ......................
To this I pledge my sacred honor! .........................
TWO!
Ladies and Gentleman I present Eagle Scout NATHAN KOERBER.
CLOSING:
After the closing would everyone please join us downstairs for refreshments.
