Eagle Court of Honor Script
6:28pInvite everyone to take a seat
6:30pCall to Order- Billy Mason
Good Evening everyone. My name is Billy Mason, and I am the current Senior Patrol Leader of Boy Scout Troop 56. On behalf of Troop 56 and the Booth, Elliott, Ristow, and Stolz families, I want to thank you for taking the time to join us on this beautiful evening as we recognize and celebrate with them one of scouting’s greatest achievements.
At this time, I would like to ask Mr. Bill Cherry, Acting Troop 56 Scout Master to officially open this Eagle Court of Honor by calling forth the candidates for Eagle rank. (Each boy waits in their own Timberline. When their name is called they will unzip, step out, and join Mr. Cherry near the podium.)
Mr Cherry:
Cullen Thomas Booth- please step forward.
wait till Cullen is present
Luke Stephen Elliott- please step forward.
wait till Luke is present
Samuel W. Ristow- please step forward.
wait till Sam is present
William David Stolz- please step forward.
wait till Will is present
Billy:Please stand and join us for the posting of the colors.
6:32pPosting of Colors/ Pledge/ Scout Oath- Billy
Caller-
Color Guard 1-
US flag-
Troop Flag-
Color Guard 2-
(Afterwards boys take a seat on stumps facing the audience two on either side of the fire.)
6:35pLighting of the Eagle Fire- Caleb Elliott
Hello. My name is Caleb Elliott and I have had the pleasure sharing scouting adventures with all of these guys. If you have ever gone camping with scouts, your family, your friends, or even just by yourself, you know that a campfire is the heartbeat of the camp. It is the catalyst that provides the opportunity to store away inspiration, gather ideas, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Tonight, members of Troop 56 will build an Eagle Fire. A fire that represents the different levels of scouting that each Boy Scout must pass through to reach the rank of Eagle. We invite you to watch and listen as our fire burns and grows.
6:36pStart Music (Feyder and Everhart’s “Gather ‘Round the Fire.”)
Scout:
“Scout-The newest, and often youngest, member of the troop. A scout brings the spark that starts the Scouting flame.”
Tenderfoot Scout:
“Tenderfoot Scout- a Tenderfoot takes the first steps on the trail to Eagle bringing with him the tinder for the fire.”
Second Class Scout:
“Second Class Scout- With kindling for the fire, a Second Class Scout still has much to learn from those around him.
First Class Scout:
“First Class Scout- A first class scout has many merit badges ahead of him but the scouting skills he has learned give him a base he needs to continue.
Star Scout:
“Star Scout. No longer a young scout, a Star Scout’s experiences begin to form the framework for what lies ahead.”
Life Scout:
“Life Scout. Only a short climb away from Eagle, a Life Scout’s desire to complete the journey provides fuel to sustain this Eagle fire.
Eagle Scout:
“Eagle Scout- Strong, knowledgeable, and stable. Like the fire you see before you, an Eagle Scout’s fire burns from within.
6:40pSignificance of the Eagle Badge- Mr B.
"The presentation of the Eagle Scout Award is an important and serious matter. For the Eagle candidate, this is the climax of his Scouting efforts. The attainment of this award is made possible by all of you-his Scoutmasters, fellow Scouts, teachers, parents, family, and friends. This is an occasion for pride and joy, as well as a time for serious reflection.
The Eagle is the highest recognition offered in Scouting. It is earned through the advancement program with each candidate earning a minimum of 21 merit badges and serving in various roles of our troop’s youth leadership. The wearer of the Eagle award is the embodiment of Scouting's best efforts and beliefs.
These gentlemen behind me (who proudly refer to themselves as the Dream Team) have spent the last seven years traveling with each other along the path to Eagle. While they have chosen to finish their journey and celebrate their achievements together tonight, it is important to remember and recognize that each scout ultimately had to find his ownroute to the summit.
6:42pWill’s story- Mr. Heck
Will Stolz- will you please stand
Will crossed over to Troop 56 after his time with Cub Scout Pack ## at “the other” St Luke’s. They say quiet waters run deep but let me assure you he can crack a joke with the best of them!Will, a.k.a “Muffin”, will always be remembered however, for his ability to wear a chocolate muffin better than any other scout in the troop.
Will has distinguished himself through hisdependability and service to others. This is evidenced by his role as Patrol Leader and multiple stints as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Will has demonstrated he is trained and practiced in his leadership abilities with an Eagle Scout project that combined scouting with one of his other interests- cross country.
For years, North Central High School cross country coaches dreamed of having a home course. Will’s Eagle Scout project helped make this dream a reality by clearing bush honeysuckle and other invasive species and installing signage along the course.
Like some of the wisest leaders, Will’s actions speak for themselves. And let me say, they often speak volumes. Will is known for and marked by his calm, quiet, and loyal character gained through an understanding of his citizenship and beliefs.
Taking into consideration these efforts and accomplishments, this court of honor, in agreement with the Eagle board of review, finds this candidate, William David Stolz, qualified to receive the rank of Eagle Scout. (Will keep standing when speaker is done.)
6:45pSam’s Story- Mr. ?
Sam Ristow- will you please stand
Sam’s path to Eagle started in 1st grade as part of Sycamore School’s pack ##. (Need a little more history or fun story on how he ended up at troop 56.)
Be it as Patrol Leader or Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Sam has demonstrated he is trained and practiced in his leadership abilities. His Eagle Scout project- trail restoration at Marrot Park- required Sam to not only work with volunteers, but to navigate the bureaucracy of both our state and city governments.
Sam is known for and marked by his honest, intelligent, and supportive character gained through an understanding of his citizenship and beliefs.
Taking into consideration these efforts and accomplishments, this court of honor, in agreement with the Eagle board of review, finds this candidate, Samuel W. Ristow, qualified to receive the rank of Eagle Scout.(Sam keep standing when speaker is done.)
6:48pCullen’s Story- Mr. McNutt
I know it’s hard to imagine, but this 6’3” frame started out as a 3’6” foot tall Tiger Cub! Through the active support of his parents and Den Mothers Heather Bering and Margaret Martin, Cullen worked his way up through the Cub ranks and captured 3 pinewood derby championships in the process! After getting Luke involved in Cub Scouting, Luke returned the favor with an invitation to check out Boy Scout Troop 56. As they say, the rest is history.
Cullen’s Eagle Scout project- a handicapped accessible staircase at First Congregational Church- now offers differently abled members of the congregation the opportunity to enjoy the church’s small outdoor chapel area for special events and quiet personal meditation.
Cullen has demonstrated he is trained and practiced in his leadership abilities by holding the positions of Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and most recently Senior Patrol Leader. After a brief hiatus from the Eagle trail, Cullen rededicated himself to scouting and has distinguished himself as a trustworthy, considerate, and kind member of the community.
Taking into consideration these efforts and accomplishments, this court of honor, in agreement with the Eagle board of review, finds this candidate, Cullen Thomas Booth, qualified to receive the rank of Eagle Scout.(Cullen keep standing when speaker is done.)
6:51p Luke’s Story- Mr. B
Luke got involved in scouting in 3rd grade when Cullen invited him to go to one of his den meetings with him. Two years later, an invitation from family friend Ian Harrison, another Troop 56 Eagle, helped Luke and his brother Caleb, find their way here to Troop 56. From that first meeting, when Scout Master Darryl Clifton shook Luke’s hand and handed him his Scout book, there was never any doubt in Luke’s mind that he would someday make Eagle.
Luke has distinguished himself through his strong outdoor skills and active service to the troop. Luke’s Eagle Scout project- an E-waste recycling drive- collected 3.800 pounds of old and broken electronics. By partnering with Recycle Force, a local recycling company, Luke’s project helped prevent almost two tons of recyclable materials from entering our landfills.
Luke has demonstrated he is trained and practiced in his leadership abilities by holding a variety of youth leadership roles from Troop Guide to Quarter Master to Senior Patrol Leader. Luke is known for and marked by the strong character gained through an understanding of his citizenship and beliefs.
Taking into consideration these efforts and accomplishments, this court of honor, in agreement with the Eagle board of review, finds this candidate, Luke Stephen Elliott, qualified to receive the rank of Eagle Scout.(Luke keep standing when speaker is done.)
Will, Sam, Luke, and Cullen- you are deserving of much credit in having achieved Scouting's highest award. However, wear your award with humility, ever mindful that the Eagle Scout is looked up to as an example. May the Scout Oath and the Scout Law be your guide for tomorrow and onward.
6:55p Eagle Award Presentation- Mr Cherry
And now the moment you have worked so hard for has come. Would the parents of our Eagle candidates please join your scout.
Wait while parents move to spots. Moms on the left.
No one will ever know the unnumbered acts of self-sacrifice a mother makes to help a scout reach this goal. Therefore it is only fitting that your mom be the one to pin this Eagle badge on your chest so the world may know you are an Eagle Scout. Katie, Vicky, Becky, and Susan please do so now.
Moms pin on the Eagle Scout pin.
Boys pick up Miniature Eagle badge
Now gentlemen, you hold a miniature of your Eagle badge in your hand. In recognition of her love, encouragement, faith, and trust in your future, please pin it over your mother's heart as an outward symbol of your achievement that she may wear with pride.
Boys pin Miniature Eagle badge on moms
In recognition of fatherly advice and guidance along the trail to the Eagle rank, your father will now add the Eagle neckerchief and slide to your uniform by placing them around your neck.
(Dads puts on bandana)
Like your mom, your father has also taught you important lessons, gave you solace, comforted you, and assisted in your development. So that he also has an outward symbol of your achievement to wear with pride, I ask you to now present your dad with a small Eagle tie tack.
Boys give dad the tie tack
Service and patient perseverance has been shown by your leaders as they helped you toward this worthy achievement. Representing the adult leadership of Troop 56, Mr.Sandy McNutt, Troop 56’s Committee Chairman will present you with the Eagle Scout Certificate.
(Mr McNutt reads just one letter from National Boy Scouts and then presents each Eagle Scout their certificate.)
And now I would like to ask Jon Geraghty, Eagle Scout and long time family friend of the Booth and Elliott families to join us and give the scouts the Eagle charge.
7pThe Eagle Scout Challenge- Jon Geraghty
Cullen, Luke, Sam, and Will- 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.
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 is ours also.
I challenge each of you to enter this Eagle brotherhood, holding ever before you, without reservation, the ideals of honor and service. By repeating the Eagle Scout Promise with me and the other Eagles amongst us before those who have gathered here tonight, you will become an Eagle Scout. 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.
Are you ready? (Boys respond “Yes!”)
Will all Eagle Scouts with us tonight please stand and join the candidates and me in the Eagle Scout Promise. (Make Scout sign)
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.
You may 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 engraved forever on your heart. (Clap)
7:03pWill’s remarks & mentor pinning
7:05pSam’s remarks & mentor pinning
7:07pLuke’s remarks & mentor pinning
7:09pCullen’s remarks & mentor pinning
7:12p Closing Statement- Billy
Just like the campfire smoke that leaves its scent in our clothing and hair, may the love and friendships we have here tonight stay with us long after this Eagle fire has burned out.
I now declare this Eagle court of honor officially closed! Like Neil Armstrong once said “The Eagle, or in this case the Eagles, have landed!” Congratulations guys! (clap)