Mayor's luncheon honors elite group of Eagle Scouts

Hosting the 2013 Excellence in Scouting luncheon at Greencastle Christian Church Friday, Mayor Sue Murray poses with an impressive group of eight new Eagle Scouts representing Putnam County. Honored after completing requirements to earn Eagle Scout status were (from left) Scott Duggan and Ezekiel Evens, both of South Putnam and Troop 93, Cloverdale; Issac Harms and Evan Scott, both of Greencastle High School and Troop 99, Greencastle; Mayor Murray; Bradley Shrader and Brandon Shrader, both of South Putnam and Troop 93, Cloverdale; and Brayden Watson and Matthew White, both of both of Greencastle High School and Troop 99, Greencastle.

In an era that's given us "Duck Dynasty," Angry Birds and turkey bacon, it's good to know that the eagle is still king of our feathered friends and more.

After 100 years, the Eagle Scout rank still stands supreme in the world of Scouting, and that point was unmistakably driven home on Friday in Greencastle. For an elite eight Putnam County young men were honored at the ninth annual Mayor's Luncheon for Scouting after attaining the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program.

"Don't quack like a duck, soar like an eagle" may be a popular expression, but no one has had to remind Isaac Harms, Evan Scott, Brayden Watson and Matthew White of Greencastle Troop 99 or Scott Duggan, Ezekiel Evens, Bradley Shrader and Brandon Shrader of South Putnam and Cloverdale Troop 93 to soar.

They now carry the title of Eagle Scout, which is held for life, as noted by the phrase "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle." And it has been that way since the honor was first awarded to Arthur Rose Eldred in New York on Aug. 21, 1912.

The impressive eight Eagles honored locally fulfilled requirements that include earning at least 21 merit badges, and demonstrating Scout spirit and leadership. Other conditions included completing an Eagle Scout service project in which they further demonstrated service and leadership.

Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray saluted the impressive eight Putnam County recipients during a noon luncheon at Greencastle Christian Church.

"Who knows were their experiences will take them?" she asked, addressing a group of businessmen, community leaders and emergency services personnel.

"For Neil Armstrong, it was the moon. For Steven Spielberg, it was Hollywood. For Michael Bloomberg, it was the mayor's office in New York City. And for Gerald Ford, it was the White House," Mayor Murray said of notable Eagle Scouts.

"Gentlemen," she concluded, "we all will be watching with great interest the futures you build and the legacies you will leave. Congratulations."

The projects within the Putnam County community that qualified the eight for Eagle Scout status were:

-- Scott Duggan, South Putnam, composting toilet for Camp Friend.

-- Ezekiel Evens, South Putnam, Reelsville Community Park beautification.

-- Isaac Harms, Greencastle, bat houses for Jaycee Park and the DePauw Nature Park.

-- Evan Scott, Greencastle, split-rail fence installation at Camp Friend.

-- Bradley Shrader, South Putnam, picnic shelter for Reelsville Fire Department.

-- Brandon Shrader, South Putnam, bat house at Lieber State Park.

-- Brayden Watson, Greencastle, courtyard for Reelsville United Methodist Church.

-- Matthew White, Greencastle, native plants for Putnam County Museum exhibit.

Projects undertaken by prospective Eagle Scouts go through a screening process before they are begun and a post-project evaluation once completed.

Those attending the luncheon had an opportunity to donate to a fund supporting Putnam County scouting programs. Scoutmaster Howard Brooks announced that $4,705 has been pledged by those in attendance to aid the local Scouting effort.

Contributions can still be made by sending a check (payable to the Crossroads of America Council) to the Terre Haute Service Center, 501 S. 25th St., Terre Haute, IN 47803.