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 Meador recited the scripture “Love is patient, Love is kind….” He
commented that this was not about the love between boyfriend and
girlfriend, but rather it was about the love of brother, a kind of
love that is strong within the scout community.
Prather received his Arrow of Light in 2010. He’s walked the Lincoln
Trail three times. He has camped in several scout camps across the
country including Philmont. Meader said he was blessed to go with
Prather, as well as Burton, at Philmont and he regarded them to be
among the best men he has ever camped with, always looking out for
others and showing concern for every person in the group.
Prather passed his Eagle Board of Review in July of 2016. His
project was to organize and implement a drug take back program,
collecting un-used prescription drugs for proper disposal.
Prather thanked many of the usual people, but added a thank-you to
his cousin who introduced him to scouting.
Prather drew a laugh from the audience when he talked about the
scout value of being thrifty. He said he had not yet learned that
lesson when he went on his first trip to Ingersoll. Consequently, he
said he spent a weeks’ worth of food money in the first few days,
buying chocolate tacos.
He pinned his parents, noting that they had been supportive, and had
also nudged him to keep working as he approached the Eagle Scout
ranking, it had been their push to keep working that had driven him
to complete his project.
Prather said he had gotten to know several young men in scouts, and
had a love for all of them.
He recounted a childish venture while at Philmont. He said that the
boys had decided to play hide and seek. Instead of running and
hiding, Prather said he put on his jacket and sunglasses and went
and sat with the troop leaders around the campfire. He fooled all
the boys and they didn’t find him until one of the leaders finally
could not help from laughing and gave Prather away.
Prather presented his mentor pin to Tim McCraith saying that when he
needed a little guidance, and McCraith was always there to give it.
Taylor Hoinacki
Tim McCraith was called on to present the Eagle Scout award to
Taylor Hoinacki.
Hoinacki advanced from Cub Scout to Boy Scout in 2011. He had
attended numerous scout adventures, and had earned many merit
badges.
McCraith noted that last year Hoinacki was a life guard at the
Lincoln Park District, and utilized the training he had received in
scouts to save a young child in the pool.
Hoinacki also enjoys cooking and likes to cook for his family.
Hoinacki completed his Eagle Scout project this past year. He worked
to restore a paint ball course at Little Galilee Christian Camp.
When he took the stage, Hoinacki acknowledged the many family
members who were present including his parents, siblings, aunt and
uncle and cousins.
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In talking about his Eagle project, he thanked his team, but also
acknowledged that his dad had been a big help in the project also.
He spoke to all the scouts in the room, encouraging them to strive
for the Eagle Scout. He said that it was a lot of work, but well
worth it.
Hoinacki also presented his mentor pin to his father.
Blake Hermes
Blake Hermes was the last person to receive his award. His presenter
was Ed Robison. Robison said there are always scouts who are there
for whatever is needed, to help clean up or do the work, or to lend
leadership and assistance to the younger scouts, while others go
play. Robison said Hermes was one of those scouts, always on hand
when needed.
Hermes has made the Lincoln Pilgrimage four times, has worked as a
counselor at Ingersoll Scout Camp two years, has attended many camps
including Philmont in New Mexico. Robison recounted a story about
Hermes mother, saying that she is a cautious lady who worries
sometimes that things are too dangerous for the kids to do. He said
that for the most part the mom takes a lot of ribbing for this. Then
he recalled one trip where Hermes talked to his mother and reported
he had poison ivy. Mom called Robison and thought she should go get
her son. Robison said he discouraged this saying it would embarrass
Blake, and to just let it be. Then, when he saw the boy soon after
and saw how bad he was “I was like, man Sandra, you should have come
and got him.” The moral to the story, though somewhat laughable, was
sometimes mom is right.
 Robison continued on for a while, regaling funny stories of the trip
to Philmont.
Robison said that Hermes was a great scout and a great leader within
the troop.
When Hermes took the podium, he talked about that word ‘thrifty,'
saying that while a scout is expected to be thrifty, his parents are
not. He thanked his parents for all their financial sacrifices as
well as time spent, so that he could be a part of the scouting
experience.
After pinning his parents, Hermes expressed gratitude to all of the
scout leaders and assistant leaders for their continued help and
dedication to the scouts.
Hermes Eagle Scout project was to replace the wooden drainage blocks
at Zion Lutheran School with new gravel and concrete blocks to
disperse the flow from the downspouts and prevent soil erosion.
Hermes chose Ed Robison as his mentor, and it was somewhat of an
emotional moment for the leader, who had earlier expressed great
respect and affection for the young man.
[Nila Smith]
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