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Five local boys attain the rank of Eagle

PHOTOS PROVIDED U.S. Congressman Glen “GT” Thompson, left, talks to the five new Eagle Scouts, from left, Garrett Waite, Justin Somers, Zach Frankhouser, Aaron Shultz and Ian Sproat.

WOOLRICH — Boy Scouts of America officially welcomed five new eagles into the ranks on Saturday, April 1.

The Eagle Scout Award is the highest award available to youth members of the Boy Scouts of America. This achievement represents many years of dedicated effort, and the successful completion of a long process which started when the young men became Boy Scouts. This is a very prestigious award as not every boy, nor every Scout qualifies for the high rank of Eagle. These five young men joined the ranks of other famous eagles; Steven Spielberg, Mike Rowe, Neil Armstrong, Sam Walton, and local U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Howard.

Zachary Frankhouser, Aaron Shultz, Justin Somers, Ian Sproat, and Garrett Waite of Woolrich Troop 66 (chartered to Woolrich Community United Methodist Church) were all recognized with an Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Great Island Presbyterian Church.

The boys were joined by many special guests to celebrate this most coveted achievement including Joshua Rhoton, previously a member of Troop 66 who moved to Texas, where he achieved the rank of Eagle. Also in attendance were Thompson, an Eagle Scout himself; Pastor Marcus Mills, previous pastor to Woolrich Community United Methodist Church; Pastor Taylor, of Great Island Presbyterian Church who led the innovation; David Wheeler, master of ceremonies, and Dan Rae who served as coordinator.

The boys were presented their Eagle Scout medals and certificates of achievement by Scoutmaster Paul David Dembowski. Each scout was accompanied by their parents who received the corresponding Eagle Scout Mother’s Pin and Eagle Scout Father’s Pin. Zachary Frankhouser was accompanied by Randy and Donna Frankhouser. Aaron Shultz was accompanied by Terry and Lori Shultz. Justin Somers was accompanied by John and Bonna Somers. Ian Sproat was accompanied by Andrew and Laura Sproat. Garrett Waite was accompanied by Jeremy (Stefanie) Waite and Christine (Rob) Woods.

Josh Rhoton, far left, joined the five new Eagle Scouts. Rhoton began his journey to Eagle Scout with the other boys before moving from Woolrich to Texas, where he received his Eagle Scout Award.

Jim Wheeler led the Eagle Charge and led in the Eagle Challenge where the new Eagles reaffirm their allegiance to the three parts of the scout oath. As part of the Eagle ceremony, scouts are asked to name a person who has served as their mentor. An Eagle Scout mentor is someone who originally motivated the now Eagle to strive towards that loft goal. This person was critical in the developing Eagle’s journey.

Zachary Frankhouser named former committee chairman of Woolrich Troop 66, Dan Rae, as his mentor. Aaron Shultz named his father, Terry Shultz, as his mentor. Justin Somers named Scoutmaster Paul Dembowski as his mentor. Ian Sproat named Eagle Scout and former member of Troop 66, David Wheeler, as his mentor. Garrett Waite named his father, Jeremy Waite, as his mentor.

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