Three Boy Scouts in the Ponte Vedra Beach-based Troop 288 recently advanced to Eagle at the group’s holiday-themed Court of Honor ceremony on Nov. 26, 2018.
Scouts Austin Dickson, Emory Kingry and Joe Johnson completed their journeys to the rank of BSA Eagle Scout — the highest rank attainable for the Boy Scouts of America — in late October. They conducted three separate boards of review with Osceola District representatives Reggie Dubay, Dick Basye and three Troop 288 adults. A special Court of Honor ceremony for the new Eagles is planned in February 2019.
According to Troop 22, Dickson, Kingry and Johnson have shown notable work through the years in scouting events, school, extracurricular activities and volunteer work. They were also found to be inspirational because of their leadership, focus, perseverance and dedication to not only Troop 288 but the community as well. According to Troop 288, their Eagle Scout Projects taught them life skills for planning and conducting projects from start to finish, as well as utilizing leadership skills.
Kingry's project replaced 650 feet of wood-paneled fencing with high grade cattle fencing for the Ponte Vedra United Methodist Church. They donated and delivered the wooden fence to Echockotee Boy Scout Camp.
Dickson's Eagle Scout Project was to refinish five large outdoor benches for the Palms Presbyterian Church Courtyard. The project took two months with the help of five boys scraping, sanding and applying the new finish. He also installed new mulch for the playground at the church school yard. The project was completed in May 2018.
Johnson's project for the Redeemer Church was completed in September 2018. The project was to create a stone pathway to a small area with a bench and a Bible verse on a small plaque next to the existing flag pole.
During the Court of Honor Ceremony, each new Eagle was offered the stage for a moment. Johnson accepted his final rank advancement. Dickson, who earned an additional three Eagle Palms, advised younger scouts to, “stick with it!” Kingry offered advice he had appreciated from Mr. Paxon, an adult volunteer with the troop.
“If you wait until the last minute, it only takes a minute,” he joked.
Scout Master Tim Jones discussed the power of persistence, determination and how those two characteristics have helped him through his career in construction management and owning a business. Jones also shared a quote from former president Calvin Coolidge.
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence,” Jones recited. “Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan, ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
In addition to the Eagle advancements, the troop also awarded 10 special awards, eight Merit Badges and 13 other rank advancements.
Troop 288 was chartered in 1989 and has been home for 115 Scouts who have earned the Eagle ranking. Ponte Vedra United Methodist Church is home to the troop. An all-girl troop within 288 will start in 2019. Those interested in joining can find additional info on Troop 288 at www.troop288PVB.org.
