Teri’s Notebook: Service a key motivator for Eagle Scouts

I have been reflecting this month about the role of volunteers in our community — looking at all the things that have come to be just because someone, or a group of people, cared enough to make a difference.

The American flag atop C Hill was organized through volunteers. A Boy Scout built the bench that sits just below it, overlooking the city.

The trail connecting Kings and Ash canyons, the new animal shelter and countless other projects were all spearheaded by regular people who wanted to make a change.

It was with this in mind I attended a Court of Honor ceremony this week where three young men from Boy Scout Troop 401 were honored with their Eagle Scout awards.

“I’m glad I’ve been a part of the scouting program,” said Aaron Galloway, 16, who organized a clean up of Dayton State Park as his Eagle project. “I’m glad to have reached the rank of Eagle Scout. I can see it’s changed my life for the better.”

Galloway joined Matthew Fowler, 15, and Carson Crosby, 16, in receiving their Eagle Badges on Tuesday evening at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dayton.

Master of Ceremonies Grahame Ross cited statistics reporting only two of 100 scouts go on to achieve Eagle Scout.

“At least one will later say that he values his Eagle Badge above his college degree,” Ross said. “Many will find their future vocation through merit badge work and scouting contacts. Only one in four boys 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.”

Fowler’s Eagle project centered around cleaning up Indian Creek.

“I’ve learned a lot from my time as a Cub Scout up until now,” he said. “I’ve learned to be a better person and to help others.”

Crosby organized an effort to remove the invasive Russian olive trees in Dayton State Park.

“I’m proud that I earned this award,” he said. “It represents all the hard work I put into it. The lessons I learned will help me later in life.”

Varsity Scout leader Jon Austin acted as the voice of the eagle for the ceremony.

“Your Eagle award will have meaning far beyond Scouting itself,” Austin said. “You are a marked man, and your achievement will follow you through your life. The things you have done, the leadership and sense of honor you have developed will mean more to you than a certificate and piece of ribbon. You will have more opportunity to be of service to your fellow man through your school, your work and through Scouting because you know what you can do.”

Teri Vance is a journalist, freelance writer and native Nevadan. Contact her with column ideas at terivance@rocketmail.com.