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Hall
of Fame Eagle Ceremony
The ceremony depicts the trail to Eagle. It recognizes Eagles from the troop's
past as well as the new ones, and it incorporates the use of "still
life" or pantomime scenes portrayed within two or three life-size "picture
frames" on stage by members and adults of the troop. The center picture
frame is used to highlight each new Eagle Scout as he receives his badge.
For maximum effectiveness, several spotlights are needed and their use should
be carefully rehearsed.
Setup: Stage curtains are closed; large Eagle emblem is
mounted above the stage. At right and left stage front there is a lectern
with a light and microphone. Three people-sized picture frames are set upon
the stage, behind curtain; spotlights are preset. Aisle seats, except in
the first two rows, are saved for the troop. The front two rows are saved
for honored guests, minister, Scoutmaster, committee chairmen and their
spouses, new Eagle Scouts and escorts, and new Eagle Scouts' families. Two
rows in the rear area are also saved for Scouts.
The houselights are dimmed. The new Eagle Scouts and escorts enter and seat
themselves in the front row. House lights are turned off, except blue spot
on stage curtains. From the rear of the auditorium the troop comes down
the center aisle in pairs, with the first pair stopping at the third row
of seats. Each boy has a penlight, held as a candle. They turn and face
each other.
The color guard comes down the center aisle.
Each Scout turns off his penlight as the flag passes. The color guard turns
and faces the audience to present colors; the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation
follow. Then the court is officially opened.
(master of ceremonies goes to the lectern at audience's left; lectern light
on; spotlight on Eagle emblem mounted above the stage.)
Master of Ceremonies: This is the Troop _________ Eagle Scout Honor
Roll.
Tonight, _____________(number) new Eagle Scouts will be honored and their
names will be
entered in this gallery. They will join ________ (number) other fine young
men from our troop who have achieved this distinction; in the troop's ______________(number)-year
his-
tory, including ... (Give names of earlier troop Eagle Scouts, voice fading
out.)
Today's requirements are (read required list of merit badges.)
Eagle Candidate has advanced through the ranks of Scouting Tenderfoot, Second
Class, First Class, Star, and Life. The skills learned along the way will
help him throughout his life. Contained within these formal requirements
is the general outline for the picture of an Eagle Scout.
To complete the picture, there are some less tangible but equally important
qualities these young men have developed with the aid of Scouting ambition,
determination, and knowledge. When did each Scout first decide he might
become an Eagle? Who encouraged him when his interest lagged? What has he
gained from the merit badge program beyond the. listed skills?
Let us consider the experiences and associations that helped form the
character of our Scout as we create in our minds the portraits of those
entering ______________
Troop (number)'s gallery of Eagle Scouts. From these experiences, these
challenges, these relationships, traits of character are molded and shaped
to complete the picture of the Eagle Scout. They add another dimension
to a boy - the difference between completing a list of requirements, and
being an Eagle Scout. (Curtains open, spotlight on frame at stage right
Scene: Small boy, age 11, studying The Official Boy Scout Handbook.)
Master of Ceremonies: A young boy wants to be a Scout.
He memorizes the Scout Oath and the Scout Law, perhaps scarcely knowing
the meaning of the words he says. But he commits them to memory - the
meaning will come later as he lives the Scout Oath and Law ... "On
my honor, I will do my best ... "
(Spotlight shifts to frame at stage left. Scene:
Pantomime, with older Scout instructing a young Scout who is dressed in
summer camp uniform with backpack.)
Master of Ceremonies: Our future Eagle Scout comes under
the influence of older Scouts in the patrol. He learns to follow and respect
authority here and in his home, school, and community. He feels good about
working as a team member and doing a job well. He has enjoyable weekendscamping,
water skiing, beachcombing, learning new skills, and developing friendships.
He competes with his patrol in the district camporee. He finds that the
year's highlight is the summer backpacking trip. From year to year, the
Scout's role changes and his responsibilities and enjoyment increase.
With them, so does his self-confidence. He usually singles out one or
two older boys as models-boys he can admire and emulate-and, about this
time, he sees his first Eagle Scout court of honor. He begins to understand
what sets an Eagle Scout apart from others.
(Spotlight shifts to frame at stage left. Scene:
Medium-size Scout with parents.)
Master of Ceremonies: In the requirements it is not specified
that the boy's parents must be participating, and Scouting is for boys,
but Eagle Scouts who cannot recall the encouragement, counsel, or just
the look of a proud mother or father are rare. The troop's program depends
in many ways on the parents-the practice trips for camporee and for the
summer backpacking and other outings, dinners, parties, and money earning
projects, all of these events depend on the mothers and dads and the participation
of all.
(Spotlight to frame at stage left;. Scene: Scoutmaster facing a Scout.)
Master of Ceremonies: Week after week, from the Scoutmaster's
study and experience, comes an understanding of a boy's mind, spirit,
humor, and leeds. And from this understanding the Scoutmaster challenges
the boy and provides an opportunity and lots of encouragement. Leadership
training is )offered at the right time for that boy. Now, when le hears
the words "trustworthy" and "loyal," he truly knows
their meaning.
(Spotlight to frame at stage right. Scene: Scout uniform with a man in
business suit-pantomime.)
Master of Ceremonies: Our Scout encounters new adult friends in the merit
badge program. He earns from them the required material and, in addition,
something of what it means to give back ;0 youth the wisdom acquired with
age. The Scout ~aw becomes more meaningful as the boy recognizes "helpful"
and "friendly." He learns to work with persons of varied personalities
and backgrounds, and to respect each-occasionally forming lasting friendships
with these truly helpful nen and women. The image of the Eagle Scout develops
further still, as he works on community service projects and finally develops
his own initiative in planning, leading, and completing his Eagle project.
This part of Scouting offers boys he opportunity to help those less fortunate
than themselves.
(Spotlight off last scene in frame at stage left; and Jut on Eagle emblem)
Master of Ceremonies: Scouting offers a boy everything we have mentioned
and more. Some boys reach out for more than others, and only a few, me
in 80 to 90 Scouts, attain the Eagle rank. We
are proud of Troop______ (number)'s program. In recent years,____________
(number) of every 10 boys joining the troop have progressed to Eagle rank.
From play to work, fun o frustration, following to leading, the beginning
until now, __________(number) boys in troop _____________(number) have
become Eagle Scouts. None developed alike, but all have net the Eagle
standard.
Tonight, (number) new portraits are being placed among those of other
out-
standing young men of Troop ___________
(number)'s Hall of Fame. They are joining those from the past (repeat
seven to eight names of earlier Eagle Scouts, voice gradually fades).
Now, this year ...
(Spotlight drops to center frame where first new Eagle Scout is standing.
Second speaker steps up to lectern at audience's right. Second speaker
gives first new Eagle Scout's full name. Scout stands a moment longer
in frame, then steps out, meeting the Scoutmaster who pins the Eagle badge
on him. As second speaker begins to read biographical material, first
new Eagle Scout steps back into frame for a moment, then advances forward
and down the steps from stage to waiting parents. He shakes his father's
hand, places pin on mother, and slowly escorts both to the rear of the
auditorium as second speaker continues to read biographical material As
Eagle Scout and parents begin to walk slowly toward the rear, Scouts seated
on aisle rise and come to attention. They salute, in turn, as Eagle Scout
and his parents pass. The second speaker finishes biographical material
as Eagle Scout and parents reach the back of the room and are seated.
The spotlight follows them to the rear of the auditorium.)
Master of Ceremonies (repeats seven to eight names of earlier Eagle Scouts,
voice gradually fading out): Now, this year ... (Spotlight goes back to
center frame where second new Eagle Scout stands. Repeat procedure with
Scoutmaster, second speaker, and troop saluting for as many new Eagle
Scouts as are being honored.)
(Spotlight to master of ceremonies; curtain closes.)
Master of Ceremonies: We have placed the portraits of ______(number)
new Eagle
Scouts in our hall of fame. These young men have excelled in what Scouting
professes to teach, and we are here tonight to recognize this achievement.
The Eagle rank, however, is not an end in itself. Eagle Scouts, we charge
you to build on what you have accomplished. We admonish you to remember
always that your position is one of honor and responsibility. You are
marked men. As Eagle Scouts you have assumed a solemn responsibility to
do your duty to God, to your country, to your fellow Scouts, and to all
people.
As you live up to your obligations, you bring honor to yourselves and
your brother Scouts.
(Master of ceremonies pauses, then states slowly and clearly the date
and full names of the new Eagle Scouts. The house lights come on. The
court is officially closed and the master of ceremonies thanks the guests
for attending and invites audience to reception.)
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