(Provided by Jon Melick)
SETTING:
A lectern, on audience’s left, on the side of the stage.
One lighted candle on a table in front of the MC.
On a small table opposite the MC, a small table contains twelve candles representing the Scout law, and three more representing the Scout Oath.
On various pews, oversize reproductions of Scout rank badges are fastened to sticks so that they may be easily seen
All candles should be unused.
PARTICIPANTS
Master of Ceremonies (MC) – ASM Bill Farrell
The Scoutmaster – Ken Belovarac
The Old Eagle – ASM Jon Melick
SPL Sean Farrell
Derek Lee
Justin Petkus
New Eagle Scouts
Mothers
Troop 20 Scouts
Eagle Escort
Distinguished guests
CEREMONY:
Bill: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to call this Eagle Scout Court of Honor to order. I’d like to ask you all to stand for the presentation of the colors. Color Guard – would you please present the colors?
(This is done.)
Bill: I would now like to ask you all to remain standing while Life Scout Derek Lee leads us all in the Pledge of Allegiance.
(This is done.)
Bill: I would now like to invite Sgt. Patrick Faherty, of the Quincy Police Department, to perform, for us, “The Star-Spangled Banner”.
(This is done.)
Bill: I would now like to invite Msgr. Deeley come up and give the Invocation.
(This is done.)
Bill: Please be seated. To earn the Eagle Scout Rank, the highest in Scouting, a Scout must spend a great deal of time and effort. It is only fitting, then, that the formal ceremony at which we recognize his achievement of that rank should be a memorable one. And so, tonight, we shall follow the Eagle Trail as we recognize the accomplishments of Chris Campbell and Jake Tavakoli.
Jon: When a boy becomes a Boy Scout, there is, within him, something that we call the Spirit of Scouting. This single lighted candle before you is a traditional way to represent that spirit. By itself, the light may appear small and feeble; but when you multiply this light to represent the more than three and a half million boys in Scouting around the world, it is very powerful indeed, and can provide light to much more than the boys who kindle it. The Spirit of Scouting embodies the Scout Oath and Law; and so we shall now light the candles before us with the Spirit of Scouting candle.
(The Scouts of Troop 20 will light the candles, in rotation. The troop will form a line; and when the SPL recites a point of the Scout Law, each Scout will light one candle, and then return to the end of the line of Scouts.)
SPL: The Scout Law has twelve parts; and each of them is as vital to the building of strong character as the next. These are:
A Scout is Trustworthy.
SPL: A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is a vital part of his personal code of conduct.
A Scout is Loyal.
SPL: A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, community, nation, and to his fellow human beings around the world.
A Scout is Helpful.
SPL: A Scout is concerned about other people. He enjoys volunteering to help others without expecting payment or reward.
A Scout is Friendly.
SPL: A Scout is a friend to all, and a brother to every other Scout. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas or customs different from his own.
A Scout is Courteous.
SPL: 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.
A Scout is Kind.
SPL: A Scout understands that there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated himself. He does not harm or kill anything without a good reason.
A Scout is Obedient.
SPL: A Scout follows the rules of his family, school and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks that these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed, in an orderly manner, rather than disobeying them.
: A Scout is Cheerful.
SPL: A Scout looks for the brighter side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
A Scout is Thrifty.
SPL: A Scout works to pay his own way, and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He uses time and property with great care.
A Scout is Brave.
SPL: 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.
A Scout is Clean.
SPL: A Scout keeps his mind and body fit and clean. He goes around with others who do the same. He helps keep his home and community clean.
A Scout is Reverent.
SPL: A Scout is reverent toward God, in the manner taught by his faith. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the differing beliefs of others.
(The next Scout in line now takes the Spirit of Scouting candle and begins to light the three candles representing the Scout Oath.)
Bill: An equally vital part of the ideals of Scouting is represented by the Scout Oath. In it, a Scout promises, upon his honor, to do his best to do his duties – first, to God and his country; second, to other people, by helping them at all times, and third, to himself, by keeping himself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. You can all now see how much brightness results when the light which comes from the Spirit of Scouting enlightens the Scout Oath and Law. I would now like to ask Justin Petkus to come up and lead us all in the Scout Oath.
(This is done.)
Bill: Please be seated. At this point, I would like to take a moment and recognize the following distinguished guests present this evening:
(This is done.)
Ken: Just as a Scout’s camping trip may start with a hike over terrain of varying difficulty, so began Chris and Jake’s journey on the Eagle Trail. Their trailhead was the Scout badge. I would now like to ask the Eagle Escort to escort our newest Eagle Scouts up the aisle.
(The new Eagles and their escorts stop next to the Scout badge.)
Ken: Chris and Jake earned the Scout badge when they learned the Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan, and mastered a few simple skills. They then began the climb to the rank of Tenderfoot.
(They continue to the Tenderfoot badge.)
Ken: Chris and Jake had now begun to acquire the basic skills of a Scout; but once inspired by the Spirit of Scouting, they did not remain a Tenderfoot. They acquired and improved various skills related to the outdoors and to other areas, and climbed to the rank of Second Class.
(They continue to the Second Class badge.)
Ken: Now, their task became more difficult. The requirements for advancement became tougher, but the rewards became greater. Chris and Jake learned to be self-sufficient in the outdoors, and continued to render service to others. Chris and Jake found themselves ready for the challenge to ascend the Eagle Trail further, when they reached the first of its summits: that of First Class Scout.
(They continue to the First Class badge.)
Ken: The trail now changed character. Before, Chris and Jake sampled the challenges offered by the over 100 merit badges available to them; now, they selected a total of six to guide them further along the many sub-paths of the Eagle Trail, exploring careers, hobbies, and items of community interest. Much of the work that they now did involved these merit badges. Through their achievements in leadership, service and personal development, they found themselves standing on Star Ridge, atop the first of the three great peaks along the Eagle Trail.
(They continue to the Star badge.)
Ken: The trail to the next summit, atop the peak of Life Scout, was not easy. Leadership had to be demonstrated, service done to others, and plenty of hard work had to be done while earning at least five more merit badges and helping his fellow Scouts. The trail here was a lonelier place for Chris and Jake, for few ever ascend this far. Yet, there are no barriers along the trail which a Scout cannot overcome. The goal may be difficult, but it can be achieved. For Chris and Jake, the summit of the Eagle Peak was now clearly visible.
(They continue to the Life badge.)
Ken: While the rank of Life Scout is a coveted one, and well deserved by all who attain it, the Eagle Trail continued on for Chris and Jake. The pathway narrowed, and became increasingly difficult to follow as it wound along ledges of personal achievement and through mountain pastures of troop accomplishment. Many challenges had to be met and overcome in these last miles. More merit badges had to be earned, with twelve of them being required and a minimum total of twenty-one being necessary. Some of these badges are very difficult to earn; and Chris and Jake also had to show a superior ability to lead and to serve others.
(They continue to the Eagle badge.)
Only with the greatest persistence and courage could Chris and Jake overcome the last barrier of the Eagle Board of Review and stand upon the highest summit of the trail as an Eagle Scout. Out of 100 Scouts who begin the Trail, only two arrive upon the Eagle Summit. And yet, the trail does not end there, for there is no end to the Eagle Trail. There is no such thing as a “former Eagle Scout”. Chris and Jake will continue walking that trail forever and they will use their skills, as Eagles, to serve us all. Perhaps even after they no longer walk this earth, their spirit may continue to inspire those who walk the trail after them.
I would now like our new Eagle Scouts to come forward and take their seats.
Now, I would like to have all of the old Eagle Scouts in attendance stand and, beginning on my right, state their name and the year in which they earned Eagle Scout rank.
(When this is complete….)
SM: I would now like to introduce Eagle Scout Jon Melick, one of our Assistant Scoutmasters, who will deliver the Eagle Charge.
Jon: Chris and Jake, I have the very great honor to give to you the Eagle Charge, on this occasion of your formal elevation to the highest rank in Scouting. Boy Scouts all over the world are counted as one of the most wholesome and significant influences in the world’s history, and you have now placed yourself among their elite. Many successful and well-known persons are Eagle Scouts – a former President of the United States, a world-famous film director, most of the original astronauts, and many personalities prominent in the world of sports and business. The Boy Scouts of America now counts you worthy of admission into their ranks.
Webster’s Dictionary describes an eagle as a large bird of prey with powerful wings, famous for its strength, size, grace and keen vision. The Bald Eagle was judged worthy of being a central part of the national emblems of the United States of America, and a representation of a bald eagle has appeared on higher value U.S. coins for over 200 years. Though eagles are found throughout the world, they are never found in abundance. They are always rare, and always superb specimens. Throughout history, eagles have symbolized man’s greatest achievements; and since 1910, the Boy Scouts of America have used the name of Eagle to symbolize those whose character and achievements place them among Scouting’s elite.
The intrinsic value of the Eagle badges is small, and they can be purchased for an affordable sum at the Scout Shop; but you will soon realize that their true value can never be calculated. By earning the right to wear these badges, you will find doors opened to you, privileges granted to you, and opportunities presented to you that you might otherwise never have had. Others can claim a capability to lead, to serve and to achieve; but you both have proven that you have the actual ability to do so. These badges show that you are leaders, respected both by your peers and by your adult leaders.
As was pointed out to you earlier, there is no end to the Eagle Trail. Before you lies a responsibility not only to you and your fellow Scouts, but also to your God, your country and your family. The Eagle Scout badges are not simply recognitions of past service and achievement; they are also warrants for future service and achievement. America has many fine things to offer you, and your descendants after you; but these good things depend mostly on the quality of her citizens. Our country has a great past; but it is you that can help make the future even greater. I charge you to be active citizens, not passive ones. Be leaders for us; but lead us only towards that which will improve us all. Lift up every task that you do, and every office or position that you hold, to the high level of service to God and your fellow human beings. Too many choose the path of using their strength and brains to exploit others for selfish gain, I charge you to use your strength and brains for the common good. Live your lives so that those who know you or know of you will be inspired to do the same.
Help us all to build America, and indeed the world, on the sound foundations of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship, and reverence for God. Then, whatever you do, you will leave behind you a record of which you and your descendants will be justly proud.
Remember, too, that many people gave of their time and energy to assist you in the climb to the Eagle Summit. I charge you to show your gratitude towards these people by looking back along the Eagle Trail at those who follow behind you, and assist them, as best you can, to stand, one day, where you stand right now.
Eagle Scout Christopher Campbell, and Eagle Scout Jake Tavakoli, I charge you to formally enter the Eagle Scout Brotherhood by leading the other Eagle Scouts present in the Eagle Scout Promise. Though the words will remind you of those used by you when you joined Scouting, they will mean more tonight than they ever could in the past. You will be sealing your eternal loyalty to the Code of the Eagle Scout, as did the authors of our Declaration of Independence, by pledging yourself on your sacred honor. Will all Eagle Scouts please stand, make the Scout sign, and repeat after me?
(All Eagle Scouts make the 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…. I will do my best… to make my rank and my influence… count strongly for better citizenship, by training and by example… in my troop, in my church, in my community… and in my contacts with other people…. To this I pledge my word of honor as a Scout.
Ken: I would like to take a few moments, now, to review for you the Scouting history of Chris Campbell and Jake Tavakoli.
(This is done. The focus should be on general impressions of the new Eagle.)
*** THE SECTION BELOW SHOULD BE REPEATED FOR CHRIS AND FOR JAKE ***
Ken: I would now like Eagle Scout _______________ to stand.
Ken: ______________, we congratulate you for reaching the highest peak on the Eagle Trail. Your diligence, hard work and persistence have paid off, and we in Troop 20 are very proud of you. I would now like you to come forward to receive your Eagle badges, accompanied by your mother, whose love, encouragement, trust, and faith in you had the most significant part in your standing here today.
As an Eagle Scout, the eyes of not just Scouting, but indeed the world, will be upon you. May you live up to the traditions of Eagle Scouts, guided always by the Spirit of Scouting, represented by these candles which blaze before you.
(Jon will then hand the Eagle badge to the Eagle’s mother. She removes the Eagle medal from it).
Ken: Rosemarie/Lisa, would you please pin this Eagle badge on your son’s chest so that the world will know that he is an Eagle Scout.
(After this is done….)
Ken: Chris/Jake, would you now remove, from the box, the miniature Eagle badge, and pin it over your mother’s heart in recognition of all that she has done for you, and of her considerable assistance in your becoming an Eagle Scout. She has truly earned this pin, just as you have earned yours; and I pray that you will continue to make her as proud of you as you have made her tonight.
(Bill hands an Eagle Scout neckerchief to Ken. Jon removes the troop neckerchief from the new Eagle.)
Bill: No words of this Court of Honor could do justice to the devotion and patient perseverance with which your Scoutmaster has helped you towards worthy manhood. Only from his hands could you receive the neckerchief which identifies you as an Eagle Scout. I would now like to ask SM Ken Belovarac to place the Eagle neckerchief around Chris’s/Jake’s neck.
*** THE REMAINING PORTION DOES NOT NEED TO BE REPEATED. ***
Jon: Chris and Jake have received quite a number of certificates, letters of congratulation, and so on, in commemoration of their having achieved the Eagle Scout rank. In the weeks to come, we expect that they will receive even more.These will be available for you to see during the reception; but I would like to read a small sample of them here.
(The two most prestigious examples of each will then be read.
Bill: And now, I would like to formally present to you all Eagle Scouts Chris Campbell and Jake Tavakoli.
(After the applause dies down.)
Bill: I would now like to ask Chris and Jake to come up and say a few words to us all.
(This is done.)
Chris/Jake: Jake/Chris and I have received quite a few things tonight; but now we would like to make a presentation of our own. The Boy Scouts of America has created the Eagle Mentor pin as a way of honoring those whose efforts have assisted a Scout to reach the Eagle Scout rank; and tonight, we would like to honor three of our leaders who have given us a tremendous amount of help in making this night possible for us. Would Mr. Belovarac, Mr. Melick and Mr. Farrell please come forward?
(One of the two Eagles will hold the tray with the Mentor pins, and the other will hand the pins [or pin them to the uniform pocket flaps, if this is possible] to the three leaders.)
Bill: I would now like to ask Sgt. Faherty to come back up, and lead us all in singing “God Bless America”.
(This is done.)
Bill: I would now like to invite Msgr. Deeley to come up and give the Benediction.
(This is done.)
Bill: I would now like to ask the Color Guard to retire the colors.
(This is done. Chris and Jake will follow the other Scouts, and Mr. Belovarac and Mr. Melick will follow them.)
Bill: This Eagle Scout Court of Honor is now closed. Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the formal part of our Court of Honor. We invite you all to the reception at ___________________________ where you all may extend your personal congratulations to Chris, Jake and their mothers.
This Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony was based on several ceremonies and other resources included on the www.eaglescout.org web site. Other elements were derived from a ceremony used by Troop 5, Milton, MA.
Please direct all inquiries & submissions to the webmaster at Eaglescout.org
Last update: 03/05/2004