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By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - “A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” Troop 37 member Andrew Carter knows what it is to be all of these things since he has worked for many years to become an Eagle Scout. Andrew was honored for his hard work in the Boy Scouts on April 3, 2016 with an Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony that was held at Zebulon United Methodist Church.
Dave Williamson was the Master of Ceremonies at this special event to honor Andrew. He told the audience that only a small percentage of boys who begin Scouting continue their journey to become an Eagle Scout. “The wearer of the Eagle award is the epitome of Scouting’s best efforts and beliefs,” he said.
What Does Scouting Mean in the Lives of Boys and the Life of our Community?
James Stone, Life Scout, read from 100 Scouts to explain what scouting means in the lives of boys and the life of our community. “Each Scout brings different needs, interests, and abilities to Scouting, and each takes different lessons away. But research has shown that, by and large, Scouting has an enormous impact on young men’s lives.” He then read some amazing statistics.
He told the audience that of any one hundred boys who become Scouts, about 30 will drop out in their first year. He said that while some may look at this as a failure, he said that all of these boys will remember their time in Scouting later in life and speak well of the program. He also said that of the 100, few will appear before a juvenile court judge.
Each will learn something from Scouting and almost all will develop hobbies that will be a part of the rest of their lives as well as many choosing to serve in the military and serving in their communities in many ways. “At least one will use it to save another person’s life, and many will credit it with saving their own.”
He went on to say that five of the one hundred will reach the rank of Eagle with at least one of those saying that he values his Eagle badge above his college degree with many finding their future vocation through merit-badge work and contacts made through Scouting. And seventeen of the one hundred will give back to others by becoming Scout leaders.
“Only one in four boys in America will become a Scout, but it is interesting to know that of the leaders of this nation in business, religion, and politics, three out of four were Scouts,” said James.
What Are Andrew’s Accomplishments?
Andrew has been an inspiration to those that he has worked with here in Pike County. He has followed the Scout Oath to do his best to do his duty to God and Country and others and himself. He has helped others and kept himself “physically fit, mentally awake and morally straight.”
He has also worked to build strong character by following the twelve points of the Scout Law which provide a foundation for strong character. Being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent are not traits that are found naturally in our world. It takes work to build character, and Andrew has done work over the course of many years in Boy Scouts.
Andrew learned outdoor skills and developed his teamwork and leadership skills as a Scout. He learned them by watching others at the beginning of his journey and then began giving back by providing this leadership and service to other Scouts and to our community. He completed required hours of community service and demonstrated leadership with his troop. Throughout this journey, his Scout Spirit began to show in his daily life.
In the final quest for his Eagle rank, Andrew had to organize, coordinate, and deliver a service project in our community and go before a group of adults who focused on his character, his leadership, and his spirit. The journey was a long one that began when Andrew was in the first grade.
He attended the 2010 National Jamboree and earned 31 merit badges. Andrew also served in many leadership roles including Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, and Order of the Arrow Representative. He is also a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow and currently serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 37.
Andrew’s Eagle Scout Leadership project was revitalizing the parking lot at Zebulon United Methodist Church. He oversaw the edging of grass that had overgrown onto the parking lot, the pulling of weeds out of the cracks in the asphalt, cleaning up the stop bars, filling in some major pavement cracks, repainting the parking spaces and directional arrows, and re-creating two parking spaces for those who are handicapped. Andrew also had handicap signs and Enter Here signs made that help direct members and visitors to parking spaces at the church and brought the element of safety to the parking lot.
The project was completed in October and is credited with adding beauty to the church. His Eagle Scout Board of Review was held on January 12, 2016. Andrew is a Senior at Pike County High School and plans to major in Interior Design with a minor in Graphic Design.
Closing
Earning the distinction of an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America is a challenge that has prepared Andrew for his adult life by equipping him with qualities that will serve him well for the rest of his life. Many came out to honor his accomplishment as he was pinned with his Eagle Scout badge on April 3.
Troop 37 Charter Organization Representative Scott Huckaby presented Andrew with this honor and reminded him of the honor and responsibility that come with earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Scott urged Andrew to continue to be an example to our community and to continue to show leadership and dedication in all that he does. “Live and serve so that those who know you will be inspired to the highest ideals of life.”
Andrew’s parents, Helen and Kimble Carter, were also honored by the presentation of the Eagle’s Mother pin and Eagle’s Father pin because they have encouraged him and helped him in so many ways over the past twelve years. Andrew presented mentor pins to Flo and Walt Patterson and to Scott Huckaby during his remarks. These three were instrumental in encouraging, supporting, and teaching him the values of Scouting.
Andrew was honored with a reception after the ceremony where everyone could view his Eagle Project Workbook, letters of congratulations and some of his Scouting memorabilia from over the years.
Congratulations to Andrew Carter for his hard work and dedication to become an Eagle Scout! May it serve you well as you graduate from High School and continue your walk wherever it leads you.
