(December 17, 2012) What does it take to become an Eagle Scout?
The Boy Scout pledge includes attributes such as: physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. But it also takes years of dedication to community service, camping out in extreme weather conditions, demonstrating leadership and communication skills, and completing all the work required for 21 Eagle merit badges.
The road to Eagle is long, and not many have the commitment to make it all the way. Famous Eagle Scouts include filmmaker Steven Spielberg, Wal-Mart founder Samuel Walton, former president Gerald Ford, newsman Walter Cronkite, and astronaut Neil Armstrong. In fact, 11 out of the 12 astronauts who walked on the moon were Eagle Scouts.
Alton Smith, former Scoutmaster of Heath Boy Scout troop 314, spent a lot of time with the seven Eagle Scouts from his troop who are graduating this year and wanted to reward their drive for excellence by establishing an Eagle Scout scholarship fund. Troop 314 has been in existence since 1932 and has produced 54 Eagle Scouts. Chris Allen, Malachi Morrell, Evan Bakkal, Ethan Smith, Zack Thacker, Anthony Schneemann, and Chris Bowyer are adding to that number.
In addition to their scouting achievements, each young man has been very active in his school and community. Chris Bowyer has been a member of the Rockwall-Heath High School swim team, JV and Varsity soccer teams, and the water polo team. He has also been involved in Young Life and PALS. He plans to attend either Texas A & M or the University of Oklahoma.
Zack Thacker is a member of the RHHS Mighty Hawk Band and has qualified at the State level in both solo and ensemble. In addition, he is a member of the RHHS Decathlon team, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Beta Club. He plans to attend Trinity University and major in computer science.
Ethan Smith is the place kicker of the RHHS football team and is a member of the Varsity Chorale. He is trained in repelling, climbing, and Wilderness First Aid.
Chris Allen plays golf and is interested in engineering and architecture. He plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlingtonto study architectural design.
Anthony Schneemann is a member of the Table Tennis Association of Heath and is the vice president of the RHHS Varsity Chorale. He plans to attend either SMU or Texas Tech in pursuit of a law degree.
Evan Bakkal is on the offensive line of the RHHS Varsity football team, a member of FCAA, DECA, the National Honor Society, and is secretary of the Spanish Honor Society. He has applied to Vanderbilt where he hopes to major in engineering.
Malachi Morrell attends Royse City High School where he is a member of the Varsity tennis team, the show choir, and the mixed choir. He is also a member of the Lakeside Civic Chorus. He is applying to Texas A & M Galveston where he plans to major in Marine Biology.
The Rockwall Rotary Club members have been loyal supporters of Troop 314, donating money to Scouts participating in leadership camps. In return, the Boy Scouts have assisted in the Rotary Club’s annual Hot Rocks Bike Race and Taste of Rockwall.
Smith approached the group for ideas about how to create an endowment fund for the Scouts. Rotary Club liaison and owner of the Seawolf and Harbor Lights, Scott Self commented, “An Eagle Scout is all about building character in themselves and others. I think a scholarship is a small way to give back to recognize fine young people of high character.”
To show his support, he offered to donate his services and his boat to raise the money.
Harbor Lights is a passenger vessel that is docked by the lighthouse near the Harbor on Lake Ray Hubbard. Passengers can relax on the open upper deck and stargaze or enjoy the enclosed main deck with ceiling-to-floor glass windows. The boat is handicapped-accessible and has restrooms, as well. Captain Self has impressive sailing credentials, including placing in the top 10 of every major class of sailboat at the national championship level from Sunfish to 60 footers. He has also sailed the Atlantic twice—once taking an eastern route and once taking the western route.
On Monday, December 17, 98 lucky passengers will depart at 7 p.m. on the roomy party barge for a one and a half hour cruise across Lake Ray Hubbard. Tickets are just $40 and include appetizers, soft drinks, and water. Alcoholic beverages will also be available for donation. The cruise would make a great early Christmas present for the person who has everything. For those who are unable to make the cruise, sponsorships are welcome.
For more information, contact Leigh Wilcoxson at lbwilcoxson@yahoo.com 214-500-9043.
Submitted by Mary Thacker, mother of Eagle Scout Zack Thacker.
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