Schenk, Rodgerson bestowed Eagle Scout awards in Island Falls

Houtlon Pioneer Times photo/Gloria Austin
EAGLES HONORED — Gabe Schenk, left, and Micah Rodgerson, right, are the two newest members of Troop 202 to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. With the boys is Scoutmaster Jeff Brooks.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    ISLAND FALLS —Boy Scout Troop 202 added two more to the status of Eagle Scout on Saturday at the United Baptist Church in Island Falls.
    Cousins Gabe Schenk, son of Allen and Jeannie Schenk of Island Falls, and Micah Rodgerson, son of Brenda and Douglas Rodgerson of Patten, were the newest inductees into the prestigious rank.
    “It’s an honor and it took a lot of work to get to this point,” said Schenk.
    Rodgerson agreed.
    “It takes a long time to achieve,” he said. “We have probably been doing this [Scouting] since fifth grade.”
    Both Scouts completed service projects. Schenk built a picnic table with a canopy — Dave Gordon of Katahdin Forest Products donated most of the material, while Schenk purchased the metal roofing for the canopy — at the Island Falls playground, while Rodgerson redid the Patten Lumberman’s Museum sign — Richardson’s Hardware donated to the project.
    Schenk said Al Cowperthwaite helped put up the poles for the table and Rodgerson had help from his brother Doug, who works for Maine Public Service to set up his poles to hang the sign. Both Scouts also received help from their family and friends on the project.
    Eagle Scout Jesse Rodgerson opened the ceremony, followed by the invocation given by Pastor Ben Green of the Island Falls Baptist Church. Troop 202 members presented the flags, while the national anthem was played by Doug Rodgerson on harmonica. Then, the Pledge of Allegiance and Scout Oath were recited.
    The ceremony moved into the candle lighting by members of Troop 202, while Bob Howes, former assistant of Troop 58 read the Scout Law — a Scout is trustworthy; loyal; helpful; friendly; courteous; kind; obedient; cheerful; thrifty; brave; clean and reverent.
Houtlon Pioneer Times photo/Gloria Austin
PINNING CEREMONY — Micah Rodgerson, right, of Patten receives his Eagle Scout pin from his mother Brenda while his father Douglas looks on.
    Then, the crowd watched a video presentation of the Scouts through the years before Allen Schenk read a poem regarding “these uniformed little boys.”
    Jeff Brooks, Scout master of Troop 202, called Schenk and Rodgerson forward to present the Eagle Scout badge.
    “Your diligence and hard work has paid off,” he said. “As an Eagle Scout, all the eyes of Scouting are upon you. The traditions of Eagle Scout are high. May you look up to these traditions, always guided by the spirit of Scouting.
    Rodgerson’s mother and Schenk’s mother pinned the badge on their son’s shirt pocket. Then, the boys each presented their mother’s with a pin and their father’s a tie tack.
     The duo was then officially recognized with the Eagle Scout patch and a new neckerchief. After Rodgerson played another song on the harmonica, Eagle Scout Chris Sides outlined the obligations for a new Eagle Scout. Jesse Rodgerson then led the Eagle Scout promise, with all Eagle Scouts, including the newest inductees.
    Brooks spoke fondly about his two newest Eagle Scouts with humor in the mix. Then, Rep. Rick Long addressed the twosome.
    “Young men in this day and age who step forward and show the commitment you have that is quite an accomplishment,” Long said. “Sitting back and watching the parents, it is quite an accomplishment for them. Their pride they have in you is overwhelming.”
    Long went on to read congratulatory letter from Sen. Roger Sherman and presented the boys with Legislative Sentiments.
    “There are very few people that have the determination, energy and focus to fill the requirements to become an Eagle Scout,” wrote Sherman. “You should be very proud of your accomplishments.”
    Former Rep. Henry Joy congratulated the boys and said he realized the number of hours to get through tasks to earn merit badges and coming through to Eagle Scout.
    “It is a chance for you to stand on that record and move forward,” said Joy. “Everything you can do from here on is going to be positive because you’ve built up those skills over your lifetime so that you know exactly what needs to be done when the next situation faces you.”
    Next, Joe Clark, town manger of Island Falls presented each boy with a proclamation from their respective town.
    “Boy Scouts is a good organization and obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout is something phenomenal,” he said. “Two percent of all boys who join Cub Scouts obtain the rank of Eagle Scout and it is true honor and pleasure that we have so many in the Katahdin region.”
    Adding best wishes was Rhonda Brophy of the Lumberman’s Museum, while Bob Howes read a piece written for Eagle Scouts called “Youth” by President Teddy Roosevelt; Jean Howes read congratulation letters from national and Katahdin Area Council of Boy Scouts and Calvin White, former assistant Scout Master of Troop 202 presented the Eagle Scout plaques.
    “Becoming an Eagle Scout is my greatest accomplishment so far in life,” said Rodgerson. “One of the best things about Scouting was having my brother Jesse in it with me. My brother Jesse is one of the biggest reasons for me getting this award. He was the backbone of everyone who went to Scouts. Without him, everyone would have just dropped it. And, I have to admit, I would have also.”
Houtlon Pioneer Times photo/Gloria Austin
MOTHER’S PRIDE — Gabe Schenk, right, watches as his mother Jeannie places his Eagle Scout pin on his uniform. Looking on is his father, Allen.
    Rodgerson said his Troop Leader was an integral part in his achievement.
    “Jeff instructed us in what we should do,” Rodgerson explained. “He kept us on our toes which is what we needed, especially with our tight schedules.”
    Finally, Rodgerson thanked his family.
    “Mom and Dad have always been there for us,” he said. “Mom has always been there to love, encourage, guide and direct us. She helped us to keep our eyes on the prize. That one day, we could also be Eagle Scouts. Dad took us to our Scout meetings every week. I don’t think I would have gotten this award if he had not helped me in completing my Eagle Scout project.”
    Rodgerson also thanked his grandmother for her support through the years, no matter what the event.
    “I have gained a lot of strength in Scouting that could not have been found in school,” Rodgerson said. “It has taught me life lessons such as being prepared and to always do my best. I will take these life lessons not only to benefit myself, but society in general. I used to think that after becoming an Eagle, it would be the end of my Scouting. But, it’s not. It’s just the beginning of something that will stay with me forever.”
    Schenk came to the podium to address the audience.
    “I’ve learned many life skills throughout Scouting,” he said. “I believe that through working toward my Eagle rank, and specifically working on the leadership project, I have developed better leadership skills. Before the project, I did not have a lot of confidence in myself, and I was not one to make decisions. While working on the project, I was forced to make decisions and to have confidence in those decisions. As I have reached my senior year in high school, decision making has become very important and will be important for the rest of my life.”
    Schenk too acknowledged many people for their efforts in his attainment of the Eagle Scout level.
    “I would like to thank my family for their continued support,” he said. “If it were not for my parents encouragement, I would not be where I am today.”
    Schenk recognized his former Scout leaders — Mary Smith and his mother who were his den leaders; Dawn and Irving Towers, who took the Scouts to South Dakota and Lou Laney — along with those who contributed to his Eagle Scout project, especially his father and troop leader.
    “My dad was very helpful throughout the project,” he said. “Dad helped with the planning and construction. Jeff has not only been helpful with my project, but has been helpful throughout my Scouting years. He has been a great leader and has encouraged me to achieve my goal of becoming an Eagle Scout.
    Schenk closed by saying he wanted to continue to live by the Scout Law and Oath.
    “I will attempt to live in this way not only because I am a Scout, but because I am a christian,” he said. “I feel that many christian principles are portrayed in the Scout Law and Oath. As a christian, I live according to these standards. My sole life purpose in anything I do is to honor God, and that everything I do would be in His will.”