York Town News
Five York teens earn Eagle Scout honor
By Melissa Wood
Eagle Scout Robert Jones reads the Eagle oath to Matt Wagner, Jared Webber, Kevin Higgins, Tim Jones and Gene Jones at the Court of Honor ceremony initiating the five York teens to the rank of Eagle Scout at the lodge on Mount Agamenticus on Sunday, June 24.
Photo by Melissa Wood
YORK - Upon reaching the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor that a Boy Scout can earn, Matt Wagner said that more than anything else, he felt relief.
"It's a lot of work," said Wagner, a 2007 graduate of York High School who first became involved in scouting as a Tiger Scout in kindergarten and follows both his father and grandfather in earning the Eagle Scout rank. "It's good to be over but obviously just the beginning."
Wagner joined four other York teens - Kevin Higgins, Gene Jones, Tom Jones and Jared Webber - initiated as Eagle Scouts in the Court of Honor ceremony in the Mount Agamenticus Lodge on Sunday afternoon, June 24.
What was even more special about this Court of Honor is that these ceremonies are usually held for one Eagle Scout at a time - since the distinction is only earned by about 5 percent of all Boy Scouts nationally - and all five are members of Boy Scout Troop 301.
"We started out with 10 to 12 kids," said Webber, who credited Scout Leader Peter Jones, father to Gene and Tim, for helping them make it this far.
Webber also said the troop was made up of an especially good group of kids, and those introducing the Eagle Scouts agreed.
"Matt, you've come a long way," said Richard Wagner, presenting his grandson, Matt. "We couldn't be more proud."
Paul Schepis proudly presented his grandson, Jared Webber, who graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy, will be attending Yale University in 2008 and skippered a lobster boat on summer vacations.
"Being able to stick to a goal for seven years is something most kids aren't capable of," said Charles Hebson, who presented his nephew, Kevin Higgins, in the ceremony. Higgins was also valedictorian for York High School's class of 2007.
"On the basketball court he was always the first one on the team to help a teammate in need," said Randy Kinzley, introducing Tim Jones.
Kinzley said that last October Tim approached him, asking whether he would have the opportunity to play much on this year's team. When Kinzley told him he wouldn't, Tim still tried out to make a contribution to the team.
"He said to me, ‘Even if I don't play much, I think I can help this team win and get better' - and that's what he did," said Kinzley.
Wrestling Coach Wally Caldwell commended Tim's twin, Gene, for his hard work and guts, wrestling hurt the entire last season.
"Have you ever seen a one-armed person do a wheelbarrow race?" asked Caldwell. "I have."
Caldwell also recognized the strong bond that Gene has with his parents, whom he would give a hug to before each match.
"Their relationship is the significant reason we are here sharing this special day," said Caldwell. "I applaud all three and thank you for allowing me to be part of it."
According to the Boy Scouts of America website, each Eagle Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills in order to earn the distinction. That includes earning 21 merits and completing a service project to benefit the community.
"They're really expected to do a lot," said Kevin's dad, Art Higgins. "These guys have stuck with it through all the years."
