Martin achieves prestigious Eagle Scout rank

Only four percent of all scouts earn this high honor

Amherst High School Junior Alex Martin, of Troop 201, Plover, has achieved the highest rank in Boy Scouts – that of Eagle Scout. His Court Of Honor ceremony was held on Sat., Dec. 3 at the Lions Camp in Rosholt.

“It’s a big accomplishment for any scout, and represents something very important for not just now, as in the moment, but in the future. It’s not a one- or two-year thing; you’re an eagle for life,” said Martin.

Martin officially achieved the rank with the completion of his special Eagle Scout project, two 9-square-in-the-air courts. “The project cost more than $1,000 to build and multiple fundraising meetings to obtain that money. The overall process of preparing for such a project took several months of planning and preparing. I’m very pleased with the final product and hope it serves the Lions Camp community well for years to come,” Martin said.

Amherst High School junior Alex Martin addresses a gathering of fellow scouts, scout leaders, and others during his official recognition as an Eagle Scout.

Martin has been involved in scouts since the first grade. He said there are many reasons why he recommends scouting to others.  “The many camp outs and interaction with all of the different scouts adds to all of the fun,” said Martin. “It’s inspiring to see the young leaders become greater leaders with more responsibility. The senior scouts help the younger scouts and then guide the troop as we were once in their same position.”

The Court of Honor ceremony consisted of the presenting of the Eagle Scout award followed by a speech prepared by Alex who recognized many people who have helped guide him on his path to becoming an Eagle Scout. Martin thanked his parents and troop leaders during his comments before all those gathered, including friends, family, teachers, and several area dignitaries. “My parents have always been very supportive in getting me to meetings, camp outs, and helping with scheduling when conflicts arise,” Martin said.

At the conclusion of his speech, Alex received various awards and certificates for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Senator Patrick Testin was on hand to personally acknowledge Martin who also received recognition from Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson; Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, of the Knights of Columbus, Plover; Thomas Gibson, the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point; Mike Wiza, the Mayor of Stevens Point;  and the U.S. Marine Corps. 

In addition, Alex also received certificates of commendation from various persons including Merrick Garland, the Attorney General of the United States; former President Jimmy Carter; Thomas J. Davies, president of the Village of Plover; James Quincey, chief executive officer of Coca-Cola; as well as the Governor of Wisconsin Tony Evers.

Achieving the rank of Eagle has been “a long trail,” according to Martin, one that has required many hours and considerable patience. He used his project to cap off a great career while paying thanks to all those have helped him along the way.

Only about four percent of all scouts make it to scouting’s highest rank. It is not at all an easy climb. One must first complete the rank of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life before starting on the Eagle Scout requirements. Each rank has their own requirements and challenges to overcome.

To earn the rank of Eagle Scout takes patience, leadership, service, problem solving, and dedication. One must overcome many obstacles and complete many advancements including the following:

  1. Senior Patrol Leader Jacob Snow opens the Eagle Scout ceremony with the Scout Oath and Law.

    Be active in your troop for 6 months after becoming a Life Scout.

  2. As a Life Scout, demonstrate your scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God, and how you have lived by the Scout Oath and Scout Law everyday of your life. Explain how your understanding of the Scout Oath and Law will guide your life in the future.
  3. Earn a total of 21 merit badges, including the 14 Eagle merit badges required.
  4. While a Life Scout, serve actively in a leadership position for 6 or more months.
  5. While a Life Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a helpful service project to your school, community, or religious institution.
  6. While a Life Scout, participate in a scoutmaster conference.
  7. Successfully complete your board of review for the Eagle Scout rank.

The earning of the Eagle Scout rank is not just an award that will stick with a scout during high school, but for the rest of their life. Famous people like Neil Armstrong and Gerald Ford have both been Eagle Scouts. Alex is very proud of his achievement of Eagle Scout, and plans on continuing to make a difference in the community now and in his future with continued service and dedication.

Plaque of Eagle Scouts from Troop 201 history.

 

 

 

Adult leader and past Scoutmaster Neil Denny presents Alex Martin with the Eagle Scout award.
Senator Patrick Testin presents Eagle Scout Alex Martin with a certificate of commendation.
Eagle Scout Alex Martin recognizes his past Scoutmaster and role model Neil Denny for all of his support and guidance during Alex’s advancement to Eagle Scout.
Eagle Scout Alex Martin recognizes Andrea—Camp Director of the Lions Camp—for her help in supporting his Eagle Scout project, two 9 square in the air courts, and helping make it possible.