As Boy Scout Troop 7 in Vicksburg adds 4 new Eagle Scouts, former Scoutmaster of 14 years Greg Evans wants the new recipients to remember how they got there.
“I want to challenge the boys to pay back to the community what the scouts has given to them. By doing that, they will not only make themselves good citizens, but they will become successful adults and leaders,” said Evans.
About 50 people attended the Eagle Award Ceremony in St. Paul’s Catholic Church’s Farrell Hall on Saturday to witness Travis Blanche, Chris Sanders, Robert Sanders and Dixon Stone become the troop’s newest Eagle Scout recipients.
During the 80 years of Troop 7’s existence, the troop has had over 2,500 Scouts and 110 Eagle Scouts. The troop has not missed camping at least one night a month for over 70 years. Each year, the troop takes one long-term camp and at least one high adventure trip, traveling around the country to Philmont, Northern Tier, Florida Sea Base, and other special trips for rafting, snow skiing, or hiking. Troop 7 is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Council 898.
Travis Blanche, a junior at St. Aloysius High School, was thankful to have had such a great time on his journey to becoming an Eagle Scout.
“This has been a great experience. I’ve really enjoyed myself during my time in this troop. I have learned a lot and I don’t know what I would do without the skills that I have learned here,” said Travis.
Twin brothers and St. Aloysius seniors Robert and Chris Sanders showed their gratitude to their adult leaders and their peers.
“I want to thank everyone who helped lead me to this point. Without their leadership, I don’t think that I would have made so much progress as a scout,” said Robert.
“I want to thank the other three eagles. I have spent much of my life with these guys and I am glad that we are able to have this experience together,” said Chris
St. Aloysius junior Dixon Stone reflected on the motivation of his fellow scouts and loved ones that got him thus far. Lending a helping hand and teamwork are two lessons that Stone plans to apply to his life.
“This has been a long journey for all of us and we couldn’t have done it without everyone’s encouragement. I have learned the importance of discipline and responsibility to the citizens in my community. I have also learned how important it is to work well with others,” said Dixon.
New Scoutmaster Jose Mattei-Sosa gave the boys credit for possessing the qualities of an eagle scout.
“When it comes to being an eagle scout, it all comes back to helping others and bring them up,” said Mattei-Sosa.