Court-of-Honor Recognizes Matthew Clarke

Matthew with Mom Denise and Dad Lee

Matthew Clarke, 16-year-old son of Lee and Denise Clarke and a member of Troop 817, received the Eagle Scout award from his grandfather at a Court-In-His-Honor held on Friday, September 25.  The event was held at Gunlock, where his Eagle project was prettying up the location surrounding the Gunlock State Park sign.  Matthew picked up where his older brother Adam left off after completing his Eagle project by adding large rocks, rope and poles and gravel to beautify the entry to the park.

The importance of the Eagle Scout award is more than just having a pin a scouter can wear on his lapel or an accomplishment he can add to his resume.  Studies have shown the impact of completing the requirements for an Eagle Scout award include the following:

·               Eagle Scouts exhibit an increased tendency to participate in a variety of health and recreational activities.

·               Eagle Scouts show a greater connectedness to siblings, neighbors, religious community, friends, co-workers, formal and informal groups, and a spiritual presence in nature.

·               Duty to God, service to others, service to the community, and leadership are traits especially strong in Eagle Scouts.

·               Eagle Scouts are more likely to engage in behaviors designed to enhance and protect the environment.

·               Eagle Scouts are more likely to be committed to setting and achieving personal, professional, spiritual, and financial goals.

·               Eagle Scouts show a higher propensity toward planning and preparedness than do other scouts and non-Scouts.

·               Eagle Scouts are more likely than other Scouts and non-Scouts to recognize they have built character traits related to work ethics, morality, tolerance, and respect for diversity.

Congratulations on your accomplishment, Matthew.  It is another step toward your successful future.