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| A very special Eagle Court of Honor was held on the evening of Feb. 8 at St. Paul Lutheran Church for sixteen year old Robert Joseph (R.J.) Perkins Jr., of East Longmeadow Troop 275. It was an emotional and proud night for many family members and friends as Perkins was bestowed the highest rank inferred by the Boy Scouts of America by his father, Scoutmaster Robert Perkins, Sr. and his mother, Advancement Coordinator Donna Perkins. Perkins' cousin and mentor, fellow Eagle Scout and Third Class Petty Officer Jeremy Carl Perkins of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba, was an honored guest and served as Master of Ceremonies. It was also an evening of ceremony and tradition marked by candles of red, white and blue. It was a celebration of an achievement that R.J. had begun as a Cub Scout ten years earlier; the culmination of hard work, perseverance and dedication while advancing through the ranks of Scouting on the road to Eagle. It was also the result of completing all the requirements to make Eagle which includes mastering the skills of leadership, service, and out-door know-how, as well as demonstrating good citizenship and ethical behavior. As stated in the Boy Scout Handbook, "fewer than 4 percent of all Scouts earn the Eagle rank a testament to its high standards. Among those who have worn the Eagle Scout badge are some of America's finest athletes, physicians, politicians, scientists, writers, astronauts, business leaders and even a president of the United States," the late Gerald R. Ford. Testimonials were heard from various scouting organization members, family and friends. Perkins' parents were praised for their faith and constant guidance of their son as well as all the other boys in the troop. They were recognized for all their unnumbered hours of support and sacrifice, always encouraging and assisting "their" boys. R. J. received many awards and gifts and he in turn presented a few gifts to a few special people who helped him along his Eagle journey. They included his Mom and Dad, Assistant Scoutmaster Carole Keenan and even his own sister Christina to whom he thanked for accompanying him on his Eagle journey. He then gave a special gift to his troop, a handsome Eagle plaque and told the younger scouts present to "work on their merit badges and to stay focused on achieving the goal of Eagle." Many local civic leaders, as well as state and national leaders sent letters of praise and congratulations to Perkins U.S. Congressman, Richard E. Neal's letter accompanied a flag flown at the U.S. Capitol. Having been a "Scouting" family for over ten years, a sentimental video/photo journey of Perkins' scouting escapades over the years was shown, displaying and highlighting the many wonderful memories and exciting trips and adventures that both he and his family shared while songs like Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the U.S.A" echoed in the background. Like his father, Robert Sr. and cousin Jeremy, Perkins would like to join the U.S. Coast Guard after graduating from East Longmeadow High School in a few years. Then, he hopes to go to college and major in business so that he can one day continue his Mom and Dad's photography and video business as well as open up a hobby shop someday. Boy Scout Troop 275 in East Longmeadow is currently celebrating a 40 year history and is proud to say that it is a very active and vibrant "Boy Lead" troop. Anyone interested in Troop 275 should contact Scoutmaster Robert Perkins at 525-8419 or visit their website at www.Troop275.info. |