Eagle Scout Court of Honor to be Held for Stoughton Resident

The following was submitted to Stoughton Patch.

Garrett Robert McCormick started his scouting career as a Cub Scout in Pack 24 from 2001- 2007 where he earned the Arrow of Light and crossed over to Boy Scout Troop 516, sponsored by the First United Methodist Church in Stoughton, MA. He earned the required merit badges and completed a service project for the rank of Eagle Scout for which he was successfully reviewed on January 26, 2014. His scouting leadership positions were: Historian (2008), Patrol Leader (2010), Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (2012), Senior Patrol Leader (2013) and his special recognitions were for snorkeling BSA (2011) and assistant crew leader on a Florida Seabase High Adventure trip (4/2011).

Garrett designed and built an Outdoor Garden Classroom, consisting of four raised garden beds for the students of the Joseph A. Dawe Elementary School in Stoughton. This will give the students hands-on experience with growing vegetable and/or flowers outdoors which they will combine with indoor science studies about plants and the water cycle. This was an ambitious $1,800 project which was supported by many generous people, including the scouts, adult leaders of Boy Scout Troop 516 and friends in the community who donated time and/or attended a fundraising supper at the Chateau Restaurant in Stoughton or purchased memorial bricks for the center patio of the garden. It was also generously supported by the school’s PTO. A small flowering tree was planted in the center of the garden. A grand total of 112.75 hours was contributed by Garrett and his assistants on the project.

A court of Honor will be held for Garrett at the First United Methodist church on Friday evening, January 30, 2015 at 7:30 PM, by his Troop where letters from the Boy Scout Council, the President and Vice President and state and local dignitaries will be read. A flag that flew in front of the Capitol will be presented along with citations from state representatives, school and town officials.

Garrett is the son of Jane and Robert McCormick who have another scout in the family and a daughter. Garrett graduated from Stoughton High School in June 2014 after which he joined the US Army Reserves and has completed basic training and advanced individual training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri. Upon completing basic training, where he graduated first in his class, he received the Commanding General’s Award, the Army Medal of Achievement. . Garrett plans to attend the University of New Hampshire in the fall to major in civil engineering and to complete Army ROTC. He plans to serve on active duty and eventually to attend Airborne and Ranger school. In his words, “Overall I believe that the Boy Scouts have taught me principles and morals that have built my character, made me a better person and will make me a great leader in the Army.” Outside of scouts, Garrett has been a member of the Stoughton High School football and track teams and has participated in his church youth group.

Photo: Submitted