My First Time Attending an Eagle Scout Ceremony

My husband and oldest son were involved in Boy Scouts when they were younger, and now my youngest son is involved with them today. In what exposure I have had to scouting I heard of boys reaching Eagle Scout, but never really understood why that milestone was so important. On November 3, 2019 I gained a better understanding of that honor when I attended the Eagle Court of Honor for Gillett Scout Nate Davis.

The Ceremony

After the posting of colors (American Flag, State Flag, and Troop Flag) and the opening speaker, two older boy scouts acted as honor guards to escort Nate and his parents to their seats. Candles were lit in two different candle holders. The first candelabra held candles symbolizing what a scout is: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. The second candelabra symbolized the pieces of the scout oath: God, Country, Others, and Self.

Next, the levels of scouting were shared with the audience-Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. After a speech from scoutmaster Mary Rodgers, one of the scouts recite a piece called “Voice of the Eagle”. The Eagle Scout promise was recited by Nate Davis, and other Eagle Scouts in the audience were encouraged to recite it with him. The two Eagle Scouts that joined Nate were Alex Young and Nate’s older brother Sam. According to scouting.org, once you are an Eagle Scout, you are always an Eagle Scout. “Eagle Scout is not just an award; it is a state of being. Those who earned it as youth continue to earn it every day as adults.”

The honor guards then escorted Nate and his parents to the front of the room. Nate’s mother pinned the Eagle medal on his uniform, and Nate presented his mom with an Eagle Mother’s Pin. Nate’s father presented him an Eagle Badge, and Nate in turn presented an Eagle Tie Clasp for him. Next Nate presented a mentor pin to Ben Piaskowski; Piaskowski helped Nate in scouting through the years. After that presentation Piaskowski gave a speech as well. After Nate was presented as an Eagle Scout by scoutmaster Mary Rodgers, he thanked everyone for coming, and Kris Piaskowski gave the Benediction before the colors were retired.

Work from Nate

Reaching Eagle Scout truly is years of work. Cub Scouts progress to Boy Scouts around age 11, and there are up to 150 different awards and 135 merit badges that a scout could earn. However, the process to obtain Eagle Scout is a road in and of itself. Signatures, interviews, obtained references, and an approved Eagle Scout project are among the tasks to consider. The project must meet the following requirements:

1. The project provides sufficient opportunity to meet the requirement.
2. The project appears to be feasible.
3. Safety issues will be addressed.
4. Action steps for further detailed planning are included.
5. The Scout is on the right track with a reasonable chance for a positive experience.

(Above Information is from scouting.org)

For his Eagle Scout project, Nate chose to work on the cemetery markers at Bethel Lutheran Church in Green Valley. Nate is now one among 29 scouts that have reached Eagle Rank in Boy Scout Troop 1035. When I asked Nate what he plans to do in terms of scouting now that he is an Eagle Scout, he informed me that he plans to continue mentoring other scouts in the troop in the same way he was mentored growing up.

Nate proved that desire to guide others during his ceremony. One of the younger scouts was having trouble lighting his candle, and Nate went up to the front to help the boy light it. I was moved by the sight of that act-it showed me that he truly wants to help others. I hope he gets many opportunities to do just that.

Congratulations to you Nate on reaching Eagle Scout! Best of Luck to you on your future goals!!