Eagle Scout Court of Honor

It has been a very busy week and I haven't been able to post about Clay's official Eagle Scout Court of Honor. It was beautiful! One of Clay's great-grandfathers, who is an Eagle Scout from 1938, spoke as the "Voice of the Eagle" and our youth minister, Jason, did the most impressive, patriotic, touching speech that I have ever heard. My friend, Jana, who is also Clay's former choir teacher sang an amazing a capella version of "The Star Spangled Banner" and his best bud, Ryan (who will also be an Eagle in just a a couple of weeks) was his honor guard escort. Clay had to give a couple of speeches --- one about what scouting and being an Eagle scout means to him and then he introduced his "mentor" for the awarding of his mentor pin to Ron --- and you would not believe how incredible they were. If he is such a good speaker at 12, I can't imagine what he'll be like as an adult!

We are so proud of Clay! He's worked VERY hard and this was the culmination of a lot of hard work. (I know this is a lot of pictures, but there were so many and I couldn't decide on just a couple!)

Clay before the ceremony. And, then with his buddies before the ceremony.

The presentation table on the stage. The Eagle statue was a gift from us for Clay.

Scoutmaster Fann starting the ceremony.

George reading the Voice of the Eagle.

Ron lead Clay from station-to-station.

Clay giving one of his speeches.

Taking his Eagle Oath.

Clay pins on the "Mother's Pin" and necklace.

Ron presents Clay with his Eagle Certificate.

Clay pins the "Father's Pin" on Ron.

Clay announces that his "Mentor Pin"-- for the greatest mentor during Scouting-- is going to his dad. Don't you love the look on Ron's face?!?

Clay presented Ben with an Eagle pin and challenged him to one day become an Eagle Scout, too.

Clay is presented with special certificates and a flag that was flown over the US Capitol on the day of his Eagle Scout Board of Review.

Jason gives his impressive speech before the benediction.

Troop 211 Scouts and Scoutmasters in attendance.