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Boy Scout Troop 149 Eagle Court of Honor and 25th Anniversary Celebration
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On July 2, Boy Scouts of America Troop 149 held a celebration for being chartered with the Boy Scouts for 25 years and to recognize its two newest Eagle Scouts. It was also to induct new Scoutmaster Dr. Chris Koster, as the past Scoutmaster Ken Edgett stepped down after serving in that role for the last 20 years. Trinity United Methodist Church in Great Bend has been the sponsoring organization of the troop since it started in 1986.

The ceremony was lead by Senior Patrol Leader Luke Abbott starting with the opening flag ceremony. Troop Chaplain Aide Talon Finnigan gave the invocation. One of the founding troop leaders, Ken Edgett, gave a short history of the troop and talked about some the adventures the troop has enjoyed during its 25 year tenure. An insert in the program listed the founding members and leaders of the troop and many of the activities the troop has participated in since starting. It also listed the 163 Scouts that had at some time passed through the troop, resulting in 36 Scouts attaining the Eagle Scout Rank. Some of the other achievements included doing two hiking treks at Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, NM, five canoe trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area near Ely, MN and four canoe trips to Atikokan, Ontario, Canada.

The troop committee chairman Dave Thompson then recognized all the parents that helped out with projects and activities throughout the year with a certificate of appreciation. He also recognized Lawrence Broce and Scott Reser who helped the troop with leadership at Summer Camp by presenting them certificates of appreciation as well. A special presentation of an engraved wooden plaque was made for Gary French who had served as the troop treasurer from 1997 through this year before stepping down.

Advancement Chairman Ron Kirmer presented the merit badges all the Scouts had earned since the last court of honor. Troop 149 Eagle Scouts Chris Koster, Travis Thompson, Dustin Thompson, Travis Rapp, Joe Burgey, Chris Seems and Michael Abbott helped present the rank advancements for Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, Star and Life. Scouts Curtis Moore, Andre’ Tremblay, Eric Vasquez, Talon Finnigan, and Andrew Koster were all recognized for their advancements in rank.

Scoutmaster Ken Edgett had the honor of presenting the Troop’s newest Eagle Scouts, Luke Abbott and Tyler Seems. Troop 149 Eagle Scout Jace Hoberecht read the voice of the Eagle to get the Eagle ceremony started. The scouting history of Luke was presented by his father Kenton Abbott. Chris Seems, brother of Tyler, presented the Scouting history of Tyler. The guest speaker for the Eagle ceremony was Matt Prescott, who had reached Life Scout in the troop, but never finished getting his Eagle. He spoke on the importance and accomplishment of finishing and receiving your Eagle Scout award. Lee Phillips presented the Eagle Charge to the two new Eagle Scouts. The mothers then had the privilege of pinning the Eagle Scout Badge on their sons. The fathers presented their sons with an Eagle neckerchief. The new Eagle Scouts then presented a miniature Eagle award pin to their mothers and fathers. Dow Summers Jr., a long time Scouter from Wichita, then presented both Eagle Scouts with a special one-of-a-kind eagle belt buckle.

Following the Eagle ceremony was a brief presentation by outgoing Scoutmaster Ken Edgett. During his speech he called up two long time Scouters, Dow Summers Jr. from Wichita and Wes Carmicheal from Plainville. Dow was a Scoutmaster in Hays and helped Wes earn his Eagle Scout award. Wes was Ken’s Scoutmaster that helped him earn the Eagle Scout award. Both Scouters were recognized with an Outstanding Leadership Award for their long term service of helping Scouts obtain the Eagle Scout award and carrying on the legacy of Lord Robert Baden-Powell. Ken said they had inspired him to become a Scoutmaster.

Troop Committee Chair Dave Thompson and Senior Patrol Leader Luke Abbott then proceeded with the installation of Dr. Chris Koster as the new Scoutmaster of Troop 149. After receiving his charge, Chris spoke a little about carrying on the traditions of the Troop.

Troop Chaplin Aide Talon Finnigan gave the benediction, followed by the closing flag ceremony. A reception followed the ceremony to congratulate the new Eagle Scouts.

 

Luke Abbott History:

Luke Abbott is the son of Darla and Kenton Abbott of Great Bend. Luke’s older brother Michael also earned the Eagle Scout award. Luke started his scouting career as a Tiger Cub in Pack 149. He earned his Tiger Cub award, Bobcat award, Wolf award, Bear award and Webelos award while in the pack. He finished his time in the pack by earning the Arrow of Light award, which is the highest award a Cub Scout can earn. He joined Troop 149 and started progressing through the ranks earning his Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, Star, and Life. Today he was recognized for achieving the highest award a Scout can earn, that of Eagle Scout. While a scout, Luke participated in many activities including a canoe trip to the BWCA, being on staff for an NYLT course, and attending the 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree at Fort AP Hill, Virginia. Luke is a Vigil member in the Order of the Arrow and is currently serving as the chapter chief for the Kanza district.

 

Tyler Seems History:

Tyler Seems is the son of Karen and Kevin Seems of Great Bend. Tyler’s older brother Chris also earned the Eagle Scout award. Tyler started his scouting career as a Tiger Cub in Pack 149. He earned his Tiger Cub award, Bobcat award, Wolf award, Bear award and Webelos award while in the pack. He finished his time in the pack by earning the Arrow of Light award, which is the highest award a Cub Scout can earn. He joined Troop 149 and started progressing through the ranks earning his Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, Star, and Life. Today he was recognized for achieving the highest award a Scout can earn, that of Eagle Scout. While a scout, Tyler participated in many troop activities including a canoe trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area near Ely, Minnesota. Tyler is also a member in the Order of the Arrow, an honorary camping society within the Boy Scouts of America.