These eight Boy Scouts were awarded the Eagle rank at a court of honor ceremony at Fairview The Grace Place Sunday afternoon. Pictured are, from left, (backt- Andrew Williamson, Joshua Rencher, Sam McGough, Ben McGough, (front) Jarett Anders, Garrett Johnson, Benjamin Haraway and Seth Pillow. | Clif Knight

Falkville Boy Scout Troop 77 conducted an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony for eight of its members at Fairview The Grace Place Sunday afternoon.

Receiving the highest rank bestowed by the Boy Scout organization were Jarett Anders, Benjamin Haraway, Garrett Johnson, Ben McGough, Sam McGough, Seth Pillow, Joshua Rencher and Andrew Williamson.

They lighted candles after repeating parts of the Boys Scout creed and recognized their mothers and mentors by presenting them with commemorate pins. Fathers participated by presenting their sons with Eagle badges and neckerchiefs.

State Representative Ed Henry presented each Scout with a certificate of achievement.

“I will always cherish the adventures we shared together on the trail,” Scoutmaster Scotty Rencher told the honorees.

“With that I want to leave with you this thought: ‘To those who much is given, much is expected,'” said Advancement Chaiman Rob McGough.
“Eagle Scouts, we are proud of you.”

In giving the Eagle charge, Dr. Jay Suggs said: “You will play an important part in making our country better. I urge you to dedicate your abilities to the welfare of humanity. May your Scout oath always be your guide.”

“Your names are chiseled in a granite rock in a Birmingham park, Don Atkinson, charter organization representative, told the honorees.” One day after you’re married, you’ll go back there with your children. They will see your name on the stone and they’ll smile back at you. That will be one of the happiest days of your life.”

“Because of your pursuit of excellence, you have joined a band of Eagle brothers,” he added. “Never forget those who helped you along the way.”

“This is one of my greatest achievements,” said Eagle Ben McGough. “It’s more than a rank, it’s a way of life. It’s something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

The Court of Honor was called to order by Scoutmaster Scotty Rencher and Troop 77 Color Guard posted the colors. Wendy Henry sang the national anthem.

Dr. Milan Dekich gave the invocation and McGough, founder of the troop, conducted the Court of Honor. Pastor Tommy Lee concluded the ceremony with the benediction and closing remarks.

A Pictorial Trail, to Eagle, which was filmed by Andrew Williamson, was shown at the close of the ceremony. It depicted the Eagle Scouts as they worked on their required community services projects. The projects included building picnic tables and benches, erecting fences, doing landscape work, operating a food kitchen for the needy and growing a garden.