This recently popped up on my FB memories.... Dave and Tanner at a Cub Scout campout 10 years ago. Tanner would have been 7 years old, and in 2nd grade. That is the year he started Cub Scouts. And that smile on his face stayed there when it came to all things scouting - especially the campouts for the next decade!
He set a goal early on to make it all the way to Eagle and after many, many years of merit badges, meetings, campouts, leadership positions, community service hours and more.... he finally made it!
His Eagle ceremony was on Friday night and I got there early to set up his display table.
A display board with pictures from Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, High Adventure trips and his Eagle project. As well as pinewood derby cars, patches, and certificates from various government officials.
An up close shot of the Governor's Citation.
This flag was flown over the United States Capitol in honor of Tanner's accomplishment and it was then sent to us along with this certificate of authenticity.
The centerpieces.
The reception hall and tables.
The program for the evening.
Each Scout was able to choose someone as their escort, but that someone had to be an Eagle Scout. So Dave, who earned his Eagle in 1996, was able to serve as Tanner's Escort. Then they asked for everyone in the audience to stand who was an Eagle. Dave stood as well as the Bishop of our congregation, Doug Vanderwerken who came to support Tanner, as well as Tanner's cousin Tyler Beall and Becky's boyfriend John (not pictured here). So that was really cool!
Tanner's early morning seminary teacher (my teaching partner) Richard Giroux came to support Tanner as well and he is also an Eagle!
Then they gathered the Eagles and had them sit in the "Eagles Nest" behind the five Eagle inductees.
Then the Eagles came to get their parents and escort them to the front.
And we had the part of the ceremony where the Scout gives each of their parents a pin.
And each mom pins on the Eagle medal onto her son's uniform.
And the Dad replaces the sash with the Eagle sash.
Putting on the lapel pin.
Each Scout asked one person to speak on their behalf and Tanner asked me.
Here is my speech.
Then each Scout spoke.
Posing with his Troop leader after the folding of the flag.
The five new scouts with all the former scouts.
Taking the Scout Oath together.
Time to celebrate!
We had a cupcake pull-apart cake in a flag design.
And a sheet cake.
And had dinner catered by Chipotle.
Lacey, Jaimie, Ella, Tyler, Jacque, Becky, John
Addison, Lexi, Marsha, Christy, Rita, Larry and Dave
Tanner's seminary teacher on the left (Richard Giroux) and his Bishop (Doug Vanderwerken) on the right - both Eagle Scouts.
Tanner's two early morning seminary teachers for all four years of High School!
Supported by so many family members!
Aunt Anne, Jaimie, Lacey, Riley, John, Becky, Tanner, Tyler, Ella, Lexi, Jacque, Aunt Heidi and Addison (plus me, Dave, Rita and Larry who aren't pictured here)
Tanner with John (Becky's boyfriend) and Tyler (his cousin) - both Eagle Scouts.
And his Nana and Grandpa.
Family pic with our Eagle 🦅
He did it!! So proud of you, T!
Cute Cousins
Ella, Jacque and Riley
