Sherman teen earns Eagle Scout award

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
HIGHEST RANK — Richard J. Kimball, Jr. earned his Eagle Scout badge, the top rank in the Boy Scouts of America. Kimball successfully completed his project of creating and placing signage on two historic potato house buildings in Island Falls. Here he places the Eagle pin for parents on his stepfather Lou Lainey as his mother Melanie Lainey waits for hers. Jeff Brooks, far left, is Kimball’s scoutmaster for Troop 202.
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
ISLAND FALLS — It was an afternoon of commendations and awards for Richard J. Kimball, Jr. Sunday afternoon when he was lauded over and over again for his accomplishments which led him to reach the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America — Eagle Scout.
    Kimball’s family, friends, fellow Scouts and even a couple of state legislators filled the Big Valley Sno Club for the ceremony that included several guest speakers following the opening of the Court of Honor when flags were placed at the head of the room. Then, a candle-lighting ceremony accompanied by a presentation of the Scout Law explained the meaning of each candle and the characteristics of ideal Scout behavior.
    Kimball, 18, known to family and friends as Rick or Ricky, said he hoped to remain in Scouting and even become a scoutmaster. “If it weren’t for Scouting, I would not be where I am and what I am.” His approved Eagle Scout project was to create signage for two historic potato house buildings in downtown Island Falls.
    Jeff Brooks, scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 202 who presented Kimball with the Eagle Scout award and a bronze Eagle pin said the young man is “exemplary, top-of-the-line. He went from quiet and shy to outgoing.” His project, stated Brooks “showed leadership and turned out excellent” because he designed the project and delegated work. “He was the head of a corporation and the others were the employees.”
    Paul Little, Katahdin Area Council commissioner for the Boy Scouts, said: “it’s fantastic to see the young people here in northern Maine getting their Eagle and living the experience of Scouting and reaping the award. So few attain the Eagle Scout. It’s something they’ll never forget.”
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS — John Cannon, in period dress uniform, presented Richard J. Kimball with a commendation from the Sons of the Civil War. Kimball accepted many accolades, awards, and letters Sunday during the ceremony when he officially received his Eagle Scout pin and badge — the highest award and rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
    For his work on his Eagle project, Fred Anderson, presented Kimball with a commendation on behalf of the Island Falls Historical Society. Letters of congratulations also came from Robert Mazzuca, the chief Scout executive of the Boy Scouts of America as well as the Katahdin Area Council of the Boy Scouts.
    Ricky Long (R-District 9) read a letter signed by the 125th Legislature and entered into the official record. Long also read a letter from Sen. Olympia Snowe that said, in part, “your skills will benefit you and our nation.” Long commented before reading his own letter and one from Joyce Fitzpatrick (R-District 8) that no one ever had a bad word to say about Kimball.
    John Cannon, in full regalia, presented the new Eagle Scout with a letter from the Sons of the Civil War commending him for his accomplishments.
    After receiving his Eagle badge, Kimball was able to present his parents, Lou and Melanie Lainey, with the special pin that designates them as parents of an Eagle Scout. Earlier, Lou Lainey spoke to the audience: “I am not his biological father. But, I am his Dad.” He added that he was proud of all the work that went into earning the Eagle and that he was glad his stepson had followed through.
    Pastor Richard Carver of County Road Baptist Church has known Kimball for about 10 years. He had commented earlier how the young man embodied Scout characteristics described in the candle-lighting ceremony: being loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind to animals and people, obedient to parents and the scoutmaster, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
    Melanie Lainey, Kimball’s mother, said earning the rank of Eagle is “very difficult and many don’t finish. Ricky is very dedicated. When he sets his mind to something, he goes all the way and I knew he would do it from Day One.” Her mother, Linda Morgan, drove in from Eastford, Conn. Standing near a table of Kimball’s artwork which drew praise many times during the event, she said: “I couldn’t be more proud of him.”