Archive: Around Town

The ceremony has become familiar in Lansing, but its very familiarity makes it exceptional.  Nationwide only four in 100 boy scouts make it to Eagle rank.  With 18 boys currently in Troop 48, the number of Eagles in Lansing this year is number you would expect of a troop of 125.  On Saturday Jonathan Howe attained that status, making him the fifth Lansing boy to become an Eagle Scout in 2006.  Friends, family and fellow scouts, came out to the Lansing Community Center to celebrate his achievement.  The other four from his class, Frank Massi, David J. Jones, Hunter Preston, and Mark Bailey were all present as well.


Howe completed his Eagle project last October, when he presented more than 20 hat and mitten racks to Lansing Elementary School.  Howe had led the project, paying for the materials himself.  Saturday's ceremony honored that along with scores of achievements spanning his participation as a Boy Scout.  That includes earning 28 merit badges, 87 nights camping, 125 service hours, 20 miles hiking, and serving in five leadership roles.


The evening started with a dinner.  Pictures of Howe and badges were on display, and a special cake offered congratulations to the new Eagle.  After dinner the ceremony began.  A two tiered wooden candelabra held candles that represented every stage of scouting, and the virtues each Boy Scout strives for.  Scouts lit candles as they recounted Howe's journey through scouting to Eagle rank.  Assistant Scoutmaster Rod Sunderlin conducted the ceremony, a reminder to all scouts of the virtues of scouting and the various steps along the way.


Howe was joined by his parents and sister.  His mother Linda Woods pinned the Eagle pin onto his left breast pocket, and in turn he presented her with a pin.  "Your mother has undoubtedly been your greatest source of inspiration in your quest for the Eagle award," said Scoutmaster Rick Vaughan.  Howe also honored his sister Tiffany with a pin.  "She was actually his mentor when he needed it," Vaughan noted.  "She probably helped push him along to finish getting his Eagle Scout."


"Jonathan always had a smile," Vaughan said after swearing in Howe as an Eagle.  "He was always in a good mood.  At the camp outs he was always helping out.  He wasn't complaining.  And as far as that 'obedient' thing... he was pretty good most of the time as far as I can remember."  Vaughan continued to note, "The other things these boys do in their life come and go.  Scouting is lifelong.   Jonathan has done an excellent job.  He is off to college, and even though we don't see him as much now he is an example to people in his community."


Mike Coles read letters of congratulations from New York State Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, U.S. Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, Chief Scout Executive Roy Williams, Baden-Powel Council Scout Executive Stefan Hoyt, Attorney General (and Governor-elect) Elliot Spitzer, and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer.  Next Hurf Sheldon made a presentation from the Lansing Lions Club.  "This is the beginning of your life of altruism and community service," he said.  "I hope you have a long and successful and enjoyable life doing these things."

Howe thanked his family, fellow scouts and scout leaders for supporting him.  "It's a great goal, but it takes a long time to achieve.  I couldn't have done it without you."

----
v2i49