04-12-2008 12:02:29

Wayne Pitre Earns the Rank of Eagle Scout

Throughout its history, members of the Boy Scouts of America have provided leaders for tomorrow, prepared as good citizens, always ready to serve others.  Service often occurs in small, unassuming ways - good turns and acts of kindness by individual Scouts, often unnoticed throughout their daily lives.  It happens on a larger scale, too, when an Eagle Scout candidate plans and carries out his major service project.  The celebration of this event was held August 19, 2006, at the China Baptist Church, for Eagle Scout Wayne Pitre of Troop 479.
Friends, family members, elected officials and other scouts gathered together to honor Wayne for earning his wings - the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.  The Eagle is the highest rank that Scouting bestows in the advancement program.  This was an occasion for pride and joy, as well as a time of reflection.  Eagle Scout Wayne Pitre, his family, his Scout leaders, and other members of the community had labored long and faithfully, and their efforts were recognized in this special presentation.
    Wayne selected the Eagle Scout ceremony, and asked other members of Troop 479  to assist him.  Troop committee member Adam J. Kierstead served as master of ceremonies and Scoutmaster Scott Adams presented the Eagle Scout Award.
    Eagle Scout Alec Leiberman from Troop 621 in Bath gave the ÒEagle Scout ChallengeÓ to our newest Eagle Scout.
    State Senator Libby Mitchell presented legislative sentiments.  Neil Farrington, on behalf of China Town Manager Daniel LÕHeureux, presented sentiments from the Town of China.  Letters of sentiments were received from President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, as well as many others.
    Members of Troop 1 from Richmond, Rhode Island, WayneÕs former troop came to participate in the ceremony.  Wayne had recently attended a hiking trip at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico with other scouts from Maine. Leader Michael Barone, Scoutmaster from Troop 621 and four other scouts came to share memories of the trip.
    Requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout include mastery of basic skills including hiking, cooking, camping, first-aid, swimming, survival skills and map and compass.  The successful Eagle Scout must also earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, of which 11 are required and include various aspects of citizenship, family and community life, physical fitness, nature and more advanced scout skills.
    The candidate must also serve in a position of leadership in the troop for at least six months after attaining the rank of Life Scout.  Wayne is also a member of the Order of the Arrow.
    An integral component of the requirements is a service project.  The candidate must develop the project, organize the materials and manpower, and supervise its completion.  Wayne PitreÕs project was to set up a blood drive.  The American Red Cross bus collected blood for his project.  The American Red Cross had a limit of 40 pints when using the Red Cross bus but on this day the Red Cross collected 48 pints from 55 potential donors.  Wayne PitreÕs Eagle Project a great success.
    He is the son of Dale and Mary-Cay of South China will be a 2007 graduate of Erskine Academy. 
    Submitted by Ron Emery, Troop 479 assistant Scoutmaster.