Micah Calhoun recently received his Eagle Scout Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Boy Scouts of America. The Eagle Court of Honor was held at the Ashland Congregational Church.
In the audience were Calhoun’s parents, Matt and Sherri Calhoun, his sister, Ellie, his grandparents, Sonny and Linda Pelletier, and many friends and members of Washburn Troop 177.
Amanda Barker led the Court of Honor. Pastor Nathan Gardiner opened with a prayer. Calhoun’s first troop leader, Linda Milligan, officially convened the Court of Honor. Washburn Troop 177 presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Scoutmaster Chet Condon and troop members presented the meaning of the Scout Law through a special candle-lighting ceremony.
Following the presentation of Micah Calhoun’s Eagle Scout Award, he and his family enjoyed the moment. From left are his parents, Sherri and Matt Calhoun; his grandparents, Linda and Sonny Pelletier; Calhoun; and Amanda Barker, Court of Honor moderator.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Joel Hall, school superintendent and an Eagle Scout alumnus, led the Voice of the Eagle, describing the struggles necessary to meet the challenges along the path from Tenderfoot to Eagle Scout. Calhoun was reminded he was watched over as he developed his mind and personal wisdom.
Condon presented Calhoun with his Eagle Scout pin. Condon listed a summary of activities and projects that Calhoun worked on over the years he has been a Boy Scout.
Pastor Jamie McClay recounted the accomplishment of Calhoun’s Eagle Scout Project, which involved the design and construction of an enclosed gaga ball pit at Camp Nomacca.
Calhoun’s parents are his primary source of help and strength, McClay said.
Calhoun presented his mother with the Eagle mother’s pin, and presented his father with the Eagle lapel pin. His father presented Calhoun with his Eagle Scout certificate and key chain. Grandparents Sonny and Linda Pelletier presented additional Eagle Scout mementos.
As a final presentation and a new Eagle Scout, Calhoun presented a mentor’s pin to his father and thanked him for showing his commitment to family and friends.
A highlight of Micah Calhoun’s Eagle Scout Ceremony was family and friends singing the song “Desert Pete.” Playing and singing are, from left, Joel Hall, Jonathan Simonoff, Calhoun, his mother Sherri Calhoun and sister Ellie Calhoun.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
A rousing rendition of the Kingston Trio’s “Desert Pete” was sung by Calhoun, his mother Sherri and sister Ellie, joined by Joel Hall on guitar and Jonathan Simonoff on bass guitar.
Before the conclusion of the ceremony, Calhoun spoke about his journey of personal learning and growth through being a Boy Scout. He started by explaining how the late Larry Hall help get him ready for a life of service to his family and his community.
“Larry Hall gave of himself and he encouraged others to do the same,” he said. “He primed the pump … and I have tried to do the same.”
McClay offered a benediction to close the ceremony, then the family and guests joined Calhoun to celebrate with refreshments in the fellowship hall.
Memorial Day
The Mapleton Lions Club is preparing for the annual Memorial Day parade and remembrance ceremony, starting at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 29.
Parade lineup will start at 1:30 p.m. on Dudley Road, at the end of Main Street.
This is a community parade. All organizations, groups and individuals who would like to march in the parade are welcome to join in. Simply report to the parade lineup area. No reservation is necessary.
The Mapleton Remembrance Ceremony will be held following the parade at the Mapleton-Chapman-Castle Hill Veterans Memorial Monument at Mapleton Elementary School. Everyone is welcome to attend and remember the sacrifices of the veterans from the three towns.
Ridge Runners breakfast
Chapman Ridge Runners will host a breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 21, at the clubhouse at 94 Town Hall Rd., Chapman.
Suzie is cooking again. The menu will include eggs, bacon or sausage, home fries, toast, coffee and juice.
This is a public breakfast open to everyone who would like to come and support the club.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
