Nashua Eagle Scouts Recognized in Dual Ceremony

NASHUA, N.H., July 5, 2016 – The Nashua community gathered to honor the commitment of two young men in fulfilling the aims and methods of Boy Scouts of America. Adam Brownstein and Spencer Richardson joined the Boy Scouts of Troop 19 in 2009 and completed all requirements for this honor. Accentuating their achievements, both Adam and Spencer were regular participants in other extracurricular activities while maintaining excellent academic performance as graduating Nashua High School North seniors.

Life Scout Brendan Paulsen, Master of Ceremony, called upon community members to speak to the contributions of these young men and the value the scouting to the community. Assistant Scoutmaster Michael Howe provided the welcoming address and summarized the meaning of the ceremony. Reverence is a component of the Scout Law and Reverend Melinda LaMontange, Pastor of Pilgrim Congregational Church, was asked to give the Invocation, thanking God for his presence and requesting his blessing.

Demonstrating the community service aim of Scouting, each Eagle led and managed his own service project. Mrs. Mary Kirkwood, Admissions Coordinator of Nashua Catholic Regional Junior High School, expressed gratitude for Richardson’s fence repair project and his process of accomplishing it. Mrs. Marianne Busteed, Principal of Nashua High School North, highlighted the delight in supporting Brownstein’s project to create an array of public service announcements relevant to students, using the school’s facilities, staff and other students.

Symbolizing Scouting’s aim of good citizenship, Nashua Mayor James Donchess described personally taking note of Richardson’s fence project, as he resides nearby. He praised the benefit that Brownstein’s PSAs in being created by students, particularly for the student audience.

Assisted by 5 scouts from Troop 19, Assistant Scoutmaster Lon Paulsen led the enumeration of an Eagle Scout’s obligations, expressed as components of the Eagle badge: honor, loyalty, courage, service, and vision. These are the symbols that remind the Eagle to observe the Scout Oath and the Scout Law into the future.

Mr. Jack Gaylord, District Executive of Daniel Webster Council, took the floor to officially convene the National Court of Honor. He reminded the Eagles their position is one of honor and responsibility, exemplifying in daily life their high principles and values.

Upon confirmation of their readiness to be Eagles, Assistant Scoutmaster Richard Filteau administered the reaffirmation of the Scout Oath Principles. The new Eagles recommitted themselves to these principles which they have long adhered.

Troop 19 Scoutmaster Greg Anthony took great pleasure presenting the Eagle badges to these deserving scouts and oversaw the scouts’ presentation of parental Eagle pins. Twelve Eagle Scout guests then came forward to recite the Eagle Scout Pledge with the new Eagles. Mr. Anthony delivered the Eagle Charge and officially declared their entry into the Eagle Scout brotherhood. On behalf of the troop, Mr. Anthony presented the new Eagles with membership in the National Eagle Scout Association.

Eagle Scout Spencer Richardson took to the rostrum to address his guests. “Throughout my scouting career, many people have risen to help me along the way ... Scouting has made a significant difference in my life. Because of my involvement with projects of other Eagle candidates and Order of the Arrow fellowship weekends, I have learned community service is enjoyable … As I continue my life’s journey, I will be able to utilize the skills I learned in scouting in many different situations. In the workplace, I will able to use the leadership skills that I learned at National Youth Leadership Training and refined during my community service project to complete tasks.”

Eagle Scout Adam Brownstein recited the scout law and asked, "What I just recited to you, the scout law, is something that I said at every Scout Meeting since I transitioned from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts ... I believe that if everyone … were to follow the scout law, the world would be a better place ... Is it the truth? Well the simple answer is yes, but yes doesn't do it enough justice so let's look at a list of people who once also recited the Scout Law, shall we? On this list we have John F. Kennedy, Neil Armstrong, Walter Cronkite, Steven Spielberg, and Dr. Martin Luther King, all great men who have said the scout law and spoke highly of it, as has millions of other people since the Scout Law was first uttered."