On Saturday, March 7 at 1830, Eagles took flight.
In a ceremony celebrating five young men, adult leaders of Troop 249 conferred the highest honor given by the Boy Scouts of America to all five of these outstanding scouts.
The program began with a moving video presentation of scouting activities, awards and Eagle projects that the boys have been involved in over the past several years. These awards have been a long time in the making, and as several of the leaders mentioned, have ushered a group of boys over the threshold into manhood. The presentation of the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance were reminders of the qualities and character nurtured by the Scouting program, and the benefits all of us share when our young men are raised to learn and live the standards of this organization.
All five Scouts conceived, organized and provided the impetus and direction for a project benefiting a local school. All five went beyond the minimum requirements to receive the Eagle Award. All five are active members in their church and school. All plan on serving a mission for their church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and one of them, Robert Colvin, will be leaving this summer to begin that mission.
As Church and Scout leaders addressed them, it was clear that these young men had earned the respect of adults in all levels of the program. They were commended for their hard work, integrity, perseverance and maturity, and each was celebrated for his uniqueness. There is a limited time for a Scout to accomplish the necessary prerequisites for an Eagle Award...the work and the documentation must be completed before he is 18 years old. The subtext of the evening was a poignant and powerful message that each of our young people have within themselves the power to affect and motivate involvement and improvement in the community, and the time to do that is limited.
After the awards, pins, and certificates were received, the new Eagle Scouts presented awards of their own. Mentor acknowledgments were given in appreciation and gratitude for the hours and the energy spent on their behalf by some choice people.
Robert Colvin presented the award to Sean O'Donley, scoutmaster; Jake and Scott Larson acknowledged the role Ed Patterson, their grandfather, played in their accomplishment; Garrett O'Donley had special thanks for Judy Weber, the Troop Advancement Chair; and Javanus O'Donley presented the mentor award to Mike Colvin, Seminary teacher and former Bishop.
Dinner was provided and served by the three families. A perfect ending to a perfect evening.
Robert Colvin, Jake Larson, Scott Larson, Garrett O'Donley and Javanus O'Donley ...Congratulations!!!