Lisa Bass
Contributing writer
(From left) Franky Marchand, Isabelle Marchand, Alexis Marchand and Gary Brumfield. Eagle Scout Alexis Marchand speaks of his experience in Boy Scouting after receiving the Eagle Rank.
Two recent Christiansburg High School graduates had lots to celebrate before receiving their diplomas on Sunday.
Alexis Marchand and Wesley Mashburn became Eagle Scouts in separate celebrations with their Boy Scout Troop 42 at Trinity Baptist Church.
Monday, May 15, Alexis Marchand received his Eagle rank in front of all the Troop 42 Boys Scouts ages 11 to 18 and adult leaders at a normal troop meeting. It was the first time for a majority of Boy Scouts to witness an Eagle ceremony with recitations of the Scout Oath and Law, pinning of the Eagle medal and reviewing the steps were taken to earn this highest youth award in Boy Scouting.
Marchand worked through all the Cub Scout and Boy Scout ranks as well as earned the necessary merit badges. His Eagle project was building shelving at the New River Robotics Association storage room for storing of robotic equipment. Marchand encouraged the younger Boy Scouts to work hard and enjoy the camping that he enjoyed as a Boy Scout.
Saturday, Wesley Mashburn held this ceremony in front of many of his fellow Troop 42 Eagle Scouts and many friends and family. Mashburn joined Boy Scouts in middle school and recalled the many Mountain Man and High Knoll treks taken. He appreciated the teachings and encouragement along the way, even a passing “fist bump” at non-Scouting events, from his mentors.
Mashburn’s Eagle project was the remodeling of the storage room at Christiansburg High School. Mashburn was able to use materials donated from a local business so band students could safely store musical instruments. Mashburn pledged to take on the obligations and responsibilities of an Eagle Scout while using his training, status and influence for better citizenship in his troop, in his community, and in all contacts with other people.
These Boy Scouts were able to celebrate their pride in this accomplishment before graduating from high school and proceeding to college. An Eagle Scout ceremony does celebrate more than a Boy Scout’s hard work. As stated in a Chicago Tribune September 16, 2016 article, titled “Eagle Scout Award: What’s the Big Deal,” “This award was not handed to him, he earned it. It will not be one of those items packed away with the other trophies of his youth, but instead will be displayed in his daily actions and its quintessence will forever live in his heart.”
The ceremony also is a chance to recognize the “supporting cast” along the way: parents, grandparents, teachers, Scoutmasters, fellow Boy Scouts and friends for example. In addition to an Eagle Medal, an Eagle Scout receives special pins that are ceremoniously awarded to mom, dad and any number of mentors who helped the Boy Scout along this journey to Eagle.
