According to the National Eagle Scout Association, only about 5% of Boy Scouts earn the award of Eagle Scout.
“The award is more than a badge,” the Association states, “It’s a state of being. You are an Eagle Scout—never were. You may have received the badge as a boy, but you earn it every day as a man.”
The extraordinary accomplishments of earning such a merit carries a significance that goes beyond Scouting. According to research conducted at Baylor University, Eagle Scouts have a positive and lasting influence on American Society. Specifically, compared to non-Scouts and Scouts who never attain the rank, Eagle Scouts tend, among other things, to show a greater connection to family, friends, co-workers, and their religious communities. In their research, Baylor University validated this: “They lead. They vote. They donate. They volunteer. They work hard and achieve their goals. In short, Eagle Scouts are exceptional men.”
On Sunday March 20, 2016, four young men, all from Troop 787, attained the highest rank in scouting: the Eagle Scout rank. Troop 787, which was chartered in 1954 and enjoys the sponsorship of Saint Patrick Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, Cardinal
Gibbons Council has recognized only 85 Scouts since its commencement who have earned the Eagle Scout ranking. Jack Adorjan, Alex Hicks, Connor Lewis and C.J. Mathieu were recognized in an Eagle Scout Ceremony at Saint Patrick Catholic Church to honor their achievement.
Connor Lewis began as a Tiger Cub in Pack 787. After earning his Arrow of Light, he crossed over to Troop 787 in 2009. He attended summer camp at Camp Daniel Boone and Camp Durant as well as numerous weekend campouts, canoeing, sailing and climbing excursions. In high school, at Jack Britt, he played varsity basketball for three years and ran cross-country and track. For his Eagle Scout Project, he conducted a food drive to last for ten weeks. After high school, Connor plans to attend UNC Chapel Hill or the United States Air Force Academy. He quoted Neil Armstrong, also an Eagle Scout, who said, “I think we’re going to the moon because it’s in the nature of the human being to face challenges. It’s by the nature of his deep inner soul...we’re required to do these things just as salmon swim upstream.”
Jack Adorjan began as a Bear Scout, but quickly moved up the ranks. At Camp Daniel Boone in 2009, he coined the famous Troop 787 phrase, “Man up, it’s Boy Scouts.” His Eagle Scout Project involved installing a spotlight to shine on the statue of Mary in front of Saint Patrick Catholic School. Jack thinks that the most valuable skill a Boy Scout can teach young men is to make mistakes and to learn from them. He hopes to attend UNC Chapel Hill and has ambitions to become a college professor. Later in life, he hopes to introduce his own son to Boy Scouts.
Alex Hicks began his Scouting career as a Tiger Cub in Pack 787, and after earning his Arrow of Light, he crossed over to Troop 787 in 2009. Alex has been on numerous campouts, including Philmont in 2013. At Terry Sanford, he played four years of Varsity tennis and soccer. For his Eagle Scout Project, Alex had an artist render two wood reliefs, one of Saint John Vianney, the Patron Saint of Priests and one of Father Thomas Price, the first native born North Carolinian Priest. His projects were dedicated to all the priests who have and will serve Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church and for their hard work that contributes to the church and community. He plans to attend Eastern Carolina University and major in Biology.
C.J. Mathieu began his Scouting career as a Bear Cub in Pack 776. He crossed over earning his Arrow of Light Award to Troop 776 at Fort Bragg, NC. He served as Patrol Leader of the Shark Patrol for three terms leading them to many victories in the Scout Olympics and at summer camp competitions like the Tomahawk race. In 2012, he became a member of Troop 787 and quickly became a leader. For his Eagle Scout project, C.J. assisted The Haven no-kill animal shelter by constructing shelters for K-9s and the collection of food. C.J. was accepted, and currently attends, North Carolina State University where he plans to study Engineering.
The Eagle Promise goes like this: “I reaffirm my allegiance to the three promises of the Scout Oath. I thoughtfully recognize and take upon myself the obligations and responsibilities of an Eagle Scout. On my honor I will do my best to make my training an example, my rank and my influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship in my troop, in my community, and in my contacts with other people. To this I pledge my sacred honor.”
We want to congratulate these young men on their noble distinction and wish them the greatest success in their future endeavors as Eagle Scouts and men.
