Look....an Eagle Scout

Last weekend was the long awaited Eagle Scout ceremony for Philip.  He really received his Eagle Scout in September but we had a formal celebration on January 11.  Maybe it is because I am a control freak or maybe I am the only planner in this parental circle but I ended up planning most of it myself.  I did consult with the Scout group, the Council, and Philip's Dad.  Because Sheridan was a big part of the start of Philip's scout adventure, we wanted to make sure she was included too.

We ended up having Philip's Papa (Sheridan's Dad) be the Master's of Ceremony.  We had an Eagle's nest where other Eagle Scouts sit together to honor the scout.  We had one of Philip's mentors give a talk (which was fabulous). DeOna lead the singing and Uncle Randy did the closing prayer. It was a great blend of people who love and celebrate Philip's fabulous accomplishment. 

Photos speak louder than words so here are a few....or lots....

Bob Woods talking about how wonderful Philip is.



Philip and Grandma Carol (Ryan's Mom)

Philip and Keith Lord, the Stake Advancement Officer
(Gave him his Eagle Neckerchief)



DeOna leading the songs

Me and my Eagle Scout

 

Philip and Papa (Howard)

Philip and Papa

 

The Eagle and the Parents

Ryan and what is left of the cake.  It was delicious!

Philip and Tiffany (his girlfriend)

 

Decked out Eagle Scout (neckerchief and badge)

 

The Eagle Nest (Cousin Dave, Howard (Papa), Philip, Jordan, Bob, ?, Cousin Ryan, and Jesse (Scout Leader))

I bought a new point and shoot camera for the event.  I charged up the battery and sat front and center for the ceremony so I could get good photos.  Much to my surprise, I forgot to put a memory card in the damn thing so I couldn't take one photo.  Even my phone was in the back of the room in my purse.  So I hurried and grabbed Philip's phone to take photos.  All but 1 was blurry.  I guess I don't know how to use it.  So luckily, others took photos.  I thank them for sharing.  Sheridan's Mom, Sharon is a great photographer and she took tons of photos.  She said she will send me a CD when she can.  I hope I see it some time.

It was very nice to celebrate Philip and share in his huge accomplishment.  Philip seemed to enjoy it.  We had over 50 people show up which was really nice. Standing room only!

A few Eagle scout facts:

• Eagle Scout is the highest rank one can achieve in scouts. 
• Only 7% of all Boy Scouts become an Eagle Scout. 
• Philip is the 3rd in his ward since 2009 to achieve Eagle Scout. 
• Eagle Scouts must achieve 21 badges to earn their Eagle, serve 6 months in a leadership position, and complete leaderships service project that is 160 hours or more. 
• At least forty astronauts earned the rank as a youth, including Neil Armstrong. Business men have included Sam Walton, J.W. Marriott, and Michael Bloomberg.