Matthew Barker receives Eagle Scout honor

[June 08, 2009]  Matthew Ryan Barker, son of Llyle and Sue Barker of Lincoln, was honored at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony at Lincoln Christian Church on May 24. He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 1102 in Lincoln and just completed his freshman year at Lincoln Community High School.

During his nine-year scouting career, Matthew advanced through Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, earning 29 merit badges on his way to Eagle Scout. The rank of Eagle is earned by 2-4 percent of Boy Scouts each year. He successfully led the troop in a project to build eight picnic tables for Little Galilee Christian Camp in Clinton, a camp that he has been a part of and has been inspired by since moving to Illinois seven years ago. Matthew has participated in National Youth Leadership training at Ingersol Scout Reservation. He has attended summer programs at ISR three of the four years that he has been active in the troop and will be attending for his fourth time this summer, with plans to earn his Boy Scouts of America Lifeguard Certification. He has served as senior patrol leader for the troop and recently was inducted into Order of the Arrow. Last summer he completed a two-week, 62-mile backpacking trek through the mountains of New Mexico with members of his troop.

Troop 1102 Scoutmaster Robert Cox presented Matthew with his Eagle Badge during the ceremony. Also speaking in honor of Matthew were his grandfather, retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Llyle J. Barker Jr.; Johnny Knox, Lincoln Christian Church associate pastor; and Matt Mason, assistant scoutmaster.

Matthew is heavily involved in his church, Lincoln Christian Church. After graduating from LCHS, he has plans to attend Lincoln Christian University, possibly focusing on missions or youth ministry.

[Text from file received]