The Right Stuff

Cox brothers attain highest Scout honor

CHRISTY FULLER Sentinel Writer

Brothers Alex and Blake Cox were awarded the Eagle Scout Honor Saturday, August 18.

Christy Fuller/ Sentinel Photo After a long journey, Alex Cox, 17 and Blake Cox,15 of Hayesville have both been awarded the Eagle Scout Honor. This is the highest recognition among Boy Scouts in which you can receive. Alex has been a Boy Scout for seven years and Blake has also been a Boy Scout for 7 and a half years. The rarity of such an event was that these young men were brothers and that they had the luxury of sharing this moment together.

The ceremony took place at Truett Baptist Church in Hayesville at 3 p.m. I was lucky enough to speak with the two Eagle Scouts about their accomplishments. They both seemed very excited and pleased that they had came this far. I was greatly impressed with the attitudes and moralistic values of such young people. I had never attended a Boy Scout function and now I have more respect than ever for the young men who hold themselves at such high standards.

Christy Fuller/ Sentinel Photo Bill Waters, Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 407, leads the group in the recitation of the Scout's pledge. The qualificationsto meet the requirements for such an honor were to complete a series of events such as be awarded twenty one merit badges, complete each of the ranks, participate on trips, complete one hundred and eighty-fivecommunity service hours and conduct an Eagle Scout service project. Blake's Eagle Scout service project consisted of constructing a pathway through the Old McClure Cemetery at the recreation department so that visitors can enjoy the historical site. Alex's Eagle Scout service project was landscaping the new EMS building grounds.

The two gentlemen expressed some of their feelings on what being an Eagle Scout had taught them. Alex responded, "That no matter how busy you are, it is always good to help someone." Blake answered, "This has taught me to show good leadership, never mess around, be loyal and nice to people and always be willing to help others because it always comes in handy; I've learned a bunch!"

Blake plans on graduating from highschool, attend Westpoint Military Academy in New York and either start his own business or work for his father's roofingbusiness. Alex also plans on graduating highschool, attending Clemson University and then after that attend a four year optometry school to start his own practice.

To them, the characteristics of a "good Boy Scout" would be "someone who is always willing to help, whether you can or not, giving your best while going over your back to help them. Being loyal, nice and helpful to anyone in need and showing leadership and motivation to people."

Some of the attendants at the Eagle Scout ceremony included Rev. Troy Long, Master of Ceremonies; John Snow, North Carolina Senator; Roger West, North Carolina Representative; Sandy Zimmerman, Constituent Services Representative for U.S. Representative Heath Shuler Congressional District eleven; Joe Shook, Clay County Sheriff; Harrell Moore, Clay Coundy Mayor; Mr. Scottie Penland, Clay County Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Gail Criss, Clay County High School Principal; Mr. David Baillie, Eagle Scout class of 1950 American Legion 24th District Scout Chairman and VFW National

Scouting Team Member for North Carolina; Mr. George Leduc, Local Commander american Legion Post 96; Mr. Mike Walters, Local Commander VFW Post 6812; Mr Chuck Reiford, Eagle Scout class of 1948 Local Member of American Legion Post 96 and VFW Post 6812; Mr. Michael Shook, District Director of Daniel Boone Council; Mr. Phil Keller, Nantahala District Commisioner; Mr. Carroll Roper, Executive Board Member of Daniel Boone Council and Venturing Co- Chairman of Daniel Boone Council; Mrs. Frankie Roper, Venturing Co- Chairman of Daniel Boone Council; Mr. Doug Somervell, Eagle Scout class of 1973 Lead in Cub Scouts since 1999 and was the first adult to introduce these new Eagle Scouts to Scouting and currently serves as Nantahala District Advancement Chairman; Mr. David Ackerman, District Executive of Daniel Boone Council; Mr. Stephan H. Smith, Eagle Scout class of 1962 Former Scoutmaster Troop 407 currently serving as Treasurer of the Troop Committee; Mrs. Peggy Baillie, Program Secretary at Daniel Boone Council; Preston Woody, Scoutmaster of Troop 407; Mr. Bill Waters, Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 407; Rev. Greg Carroll, Religious Leader; Scouts included, Thomas Dixon, Spencer Woody, Jacob Nicholson, Elijah Nicholson, Tommy Kelly, Dylan Johnson, Samuel Trull and Eagle Scout Stephen H. Smith.

The family would like to thank all of those who helped them accomplish their goal of Eagle Scout.

What it Takes...

Less than two percent of Scouts

earn the Eagle Scout award.

Since its introduction in 1911,

the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 1.7 million

young men.

Eagle Scout may be earned by a

Boy Scout or Varsity Scout who serves as a Life Scout for at least six months, earns a minimum of

21 merit badges, demonstrates Scout Spirit, and demonstrates

leadership in the troop, team,

crew or ship. He must plan,

develop and lead a service project-

the Eagle Project - that demonstrates both leadership and

a commitment to duty. He must

then take part in a Scoutmaster conference before his 18th birthday.

After all requirements are met, he must complete an Eagle

Scout Board of Review.

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