Good Evening, and
welcome to the 2012 Eagle Court of Honor and Awards and Recognition Dinner for
Troop 2.
On this night we
recognize and honor 7 young men…..scouts from our Troop who have completed the
requirements for the Eagle rank and have been awarded their badges, and welcome
them to the fellowship of the nearly 250 Eagle scouts of Troop 2.
The rank of Eagle
scout is a pinnacle award.
It represents the
ultimate goal and achievement for Scouts. Although 1 in 4 young men join
scouting, statistically, less than 5% of all scouts achieve this rank. Almost 2
million have been awarded since 1912.
Requirements have
evolved over the 100 year timeline… however they’ve always included the
fundamental concepts of leadership and accountability.
Eagle Scouts are
expected to set an example for other Scouts at all times, and to be the leaders
in life that they have demonstrated themselves to be in Scouting.
Earning the Eagle
rank takes time, discipline, and fortitude. A Scout must be motivated to stay
on track to complete the work required, and will grow as a leader throughout the
process.
The challenge to
balance work in and out of scouting often can overwhelm a young man as he works
toward Eagle, and it is both our pleasure and role as adult leaders and parents
to help them along the way.
The Eagle rank is not
a form of graduation from the Troop. It’s NOT a reward, it is an achievement. It
does not come with special privileges or other rank based rewards, and should
never be used as a means of securing special treatment or
consideration.
On the contrary, the
Eagle rank is a significant achievement and honor, and comes with a
responsibility and invitation to participate as an exemplary scout at a higher
level, showing scout spirit, integrity, and leadership while giving back to the
Scouting community at Troop 2.
The Eagle scout is
always accountable for his behavior, and must carry the spirit of Scouting in
his heart. His actions reflect on himself, as well as on his peers and on his
troop.
Remember - you are
always an Eagle scout, and should never be referred to as “a former Eagle scout”
nor should you consider this an award from your youth – it’s a regular reminder
of your duties and the expectations of society and scouting.
It is our sincere
hope that our newest Eagle scouts will continue to be an integral part of our
Senior Scout team, and will remain connected to Troop 2, working closely with
troop leadership and each other to serve as role models and provide guidance and
support to younger scouts.
In nature an Eagle does not just perch
idly, it soars majestically.
Please join me in
saluting these Eagle scouts, and please continue to support them as they soar
forward in life.
