Ashland Troop 179 hosts Eagle Court of Honor
ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney Hopkins
Ashland Boy Scout Troop 179 has advanced another Scout to the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
Photo courtesy of Susan Feeney-Hopkins
SEAN ROBERTSON, 17, of Ashland Boy Scout Troop 179, receives a commendation from state of Maine Rep. John Martin, left, and Sen. Troy Jackson at Robertson’s Eagle Scout ceremony.
Sean Robertson, 17, was formally honored at the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Eagle Court of Honor ceremony in Portage Lake Saturday, April 16. The Town Hall was ornamented with Scouting motif, a collage of photographs cataloging Sean’s years in Scouting adorned the walls, and a table was set up showcasing Sean’s Scouting achievements and honors.
Sean was surrounded by his family which included his parents, Sandra Robertson of Presque Isle and Allen Robertson of Portage Lake; his brother, Ian; his paternal grandparents, Wilza and John Robertson of Portage Lake; his uncle, Dan Robertson and cousin, Emily Robertson. Sean also welcomed relatives who traveled from New Brunswick for the celebration. They included his maternal grandmother, Faye Kinney from Perth Andover; a great aunt, Maxine Mavor, also from Perth Andover; and his uncle, Roger Kinney from Fredericton.
Photo courtesy of Susan Feeney-Hopkins
ASHLAND TROOP 179 Scout Master Linda Milligan helps Scout Sean Robertson with his tie during his Eagle Scout ceremony held recently in Portage Lake.
Ralph Dwyer, committee chairman, opened the ceremony welcoming Sean into the elite assembly of Eagle Scout. He introduced the special guests which included Maine Rep. John Martin and Sen. Troy Jackson, Tom Peary, North Star Boy Scout Roundtable commissioner and Presque Isle Troop 171 Scout master and his wife, Kathy Peary, who is the North Star Cub Scout Roundtable commissioner and Troop 171 committee chairperson. Guests also included his Scout Master Linda Milligan and his Assistant Scout Master Polly Libby, family friends, teachers, peers and community members.
Paul Nason, of Portage Lake, gave the Invocation, as well as the closing Benediction, which offered particular meaning over the ceremony as he is a special family friend. The “Presentation of Colors” flag ceremony brought the members of Troop 179 into the hall, which followed with them leading the guests in the “Pledge of Allegiance.” The Scouts then performed the “Scout Law and Candle Ceremony” which is a very meaningful portion of the Court of Honor. The Scouts light candles while reciting Scouting laws and the human qualities a Scout should possess; all of which Sean embodies.
Sean was then presented by Eagle Scout Andrew Libby. Milligan offered a “History of the Eagle Candidate.” During her speech, Milligan reminisced about when Sean first joined the Scouts she noticed he “doesn’t just march, he dances to the beat of his own drum.” She told several stories about the “adventures” Sean has had every time he has embarked on a Katahdin climb. Apparently every time he has climbed, he has had a bout of a stomach “bug.” which strangely enough came on after eating trail mix or a box of shredded wheat. This — of course — garnered much laughter, as well as some sympathy from the guests and troop mates recalling the events. Milligan then told of a particular climb when the troop faced bad weather conditions including hail and slippery terrain. It appears that Sean is a slow climber, so slow that on the way down the mountain, Milligan, who had stayed behind to hike with Sean, had got ahead of him. She had noticed he seemed a bit far behind and waited for him; “and waited for him.” During this time, she had seen another hiker and inquired if he had seen a young hiker coming down the trail. This hiker said he did not see a hiker coming down the trail, but he did see a hiker going up the trail. Apparently on his way down, Sean had a fall and when he stood up he “got turned around” and continued his hike, heading back up the mountain! This tale gave everyone quite a chuckle. Sean took the ribbing all in stride.
Formerly of Portage Lake and now a senior at Presque Isle High School, Sean is by all accounts a “good student,” proof being that six of his educators attended the ceremony in his honor, each having kind words to share. Teacher Mary Trainer was a guest speaker and honored Sean in saying she was “proud to call him her student” saying he is “tireless, hard working and has a great sense of humor” sharing stories of his classroom antics and their student/teacher relationship. She went onto describe Sean as “inquisitive, funny, a truth seeker and a critical thinker.” Trainer closed in saying Sean was “destined for great things” and was “deserving of the honor.”
Sean was presented his Eagle Award by Dwyer. After reciting the Eagle Scout Promise, Sean’s mother presented her son with his Eagle Scout pin, while his father presented his son with his official Eagle Scout certificate. Other special guest speakers included Sarah Brooks of Portage Lake, who is a retired Ashland educator who served as a mentor with Upward Bound. Brooks, representing the Ashland chapter of the Rotary Club, presented Sean with a banner and certificate on behalf of the club. Martin and Jackson commended Sean with a framed certificate on his outstanding achievement. Dwyer even had a special letter of commendation from President Obama! “Seriously,” said Dwyer with a smile as he presented Sean with the letter of honor. Quite an honor indeed.
Guests were invited to stay for a reception following the ceremony and were treated to the delicious treats provided by hostesses and close family friends, Dolly Darkis and Grace Nelson, who planned and shopped for the menu items. These ladies did an outstanding job as hostesses tending to the guests. Sean and his family wish to express their appreciation and gratitude to them for playing a very important role in his special day. Sean would also like to “thank everyone who has helped him” along the way, as well as those who helped support him during his Eagle Project.
Congratulations Sean on such a great accomplishment! Your family is very proud of you.
The 27th annual “Gym Show
Photo courtesy of Ashland District School
FIRST-GRADERS in Bonnie McNally’s and Rena Levesque’s classes used the parachute to develop all levels of fitness during Ashland District School’s recent “Gym Show,” which is a fun and healthy event that all enjoy.
Photo courtesy of Ashland District School
ASHLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL recently held its 27th annual “Gym Show.” Bill Nemer is the organizer of this fun and healthy event held for the first time in the new school. Parents and students alike enjoyed the show. Ninety-three percent of the student body performed to a full house. Here, Beth Monpetit’s and Michelle Beaulier’s fifth-grade classes play Wallball, a volleyball game without a net that large classes can play.
Ashland VFW Tag and Bake Sale
The VFW Ladies Auxiliary will hold its annual Tag and Bake Sale at the Ashland VFW Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. both days. Back by popular demand, there will be lots of fresh baked goodies for sale also. Favorites such as homemade pies, molasses donuts, biscuits, beans, cookies, whoopee pies and fudge will be available for purchase.
If anyone would like to donate items for the sale, please contact Julie at 435-7137 or Noreen at 435-6029. They will happily pick up items, as well.
Ashland District School supports the arts
Photo courtesy of Ashland District School
SKYLAR BURBY,
a preschooler at Ashland District School with his art teacher, Sue Beaulier, proudly shows off his art project using primary colors.
The Ashland District School art program is a popular class among students. Educator Sue Beaulier is an accomplished artist who brings a positive attitude and creativity to her students. We are lucky to have you Mrs. Beaulier!
‘Voices’ to perform
Photo courtesy of Ashland District School
AROOSTOOK RIVER VOICES will hold their third concert presentation at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15 at the Ashland District School auditorium. The chorus is made up of more than 80 residents, young and old; community members and students. There will also be a presentation by the Ashland middle school chorus and an “Into the Woods” musical selection. Admission is by donation. The concert is sponsored by the Ashland Alumni Association. Members of Aroostook River Voices include, from left, front row: Dianna Watt, Rebecca Libby, Chelsey Holmes, Kali Pelletier and Tanisha Procino. Middle row: Amos Ward, Myles Bolstridge, Jordan Beaulier, Nick Porter, Kenny Tarr, Gabrielle Cyr and Larry Hall. Back row: Joel Hall, Jon Simonoff, Keith Holmes, Whitney Donovan, Sherri Calhoun, Shea Craig, Rachel Gillis, Katelynn Orcutt, Kayla Cote and Brooke LaBelle.
“Aroostook River Voices” will hold their third concert presentation at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15 at the Ashland District School auditorium. The chorus is made up of more than 80 residents, young and old; community members and students. The only prerequisite is a love of singing and music.
There will also be a presentation by the Ashland middle school chorus and an “Into the Woods” musical selection. Admission is by donation. The concert is sponsored by the Ashland Alumni Association.
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and the surrounding areas. She can be reached at 435-8232 or Feenhop@aol.com.
