Feb 10, 2012
Austen Carl Kutsche
Austen was born in 1993 in Dayton, Ohio and grew up in a military family. After a few years they moved to Florida where they enjoyed the warm weather and sandy beaches. The next location, Colorado Springs, Colorado, home of the Air Force Academy, seem all the colder. After spending three years in central Colorado, his Dad accepted a job in London, England for another three year adventure. His family experienced countless tourist attractions in England and Europe. From England his family moved to Rome, New York, a small town in upstate New York. Compared to the large city of London, Rome, NY was quiet. They had one hundred acres, two horses, and a four-wheeler to explore them with. After two quick years in New York, his family moved to Washington D.C. One year was all the time given to them to explore the nation’s capital. Austen’s families’ last stop was Idaho Falls, Idaho.
When Austen arrived in Idaho Falls five years ago, he was going into ninth grade and attended Taylorview Junior High School. Then Austen moved up to Idaho Falls High School. With the combination of AP classes, football, Boy Scouts, and a sports editing position in the school newspaper, plus working at Best Buy, he rarely had time to relax. Austen enjoyed his busy schedule though; always having some form of responsibility helped him greatly in preparing for college and making difficult decisions for his future.
Austen’s newspaper class and Boy Scouts were both very helpful in teaching him to lead and have responsibility. All of his leaders from his past troops, as well as his leaders from Troop 6, were all very helpful and encouraging during his progression through the advancements of scouting. Austen’s newspaper teacher, Mr. Hansen, was also very helpful and encouraging during the past couple years. Without him Austen may not have accomplished this eagle award.
Eagle Scout Program
January 7, 2012
Opening Ceremony Seth Stewart
Senior Patrol Leader
Color Guard
Scout Oath and Law Troop 6 Scouts
Slide Show Troop 6 Leaders
Eagle Challenge Cheryl Siedelmann
Troop Committee Chairman
Troop 6 Leaders .
Charge to Eagles Matt Solle, Eagle Scout
Award Presentation Troop 6 Leaders
Robin Stewart, Scoutmaster
Mentor pin Austen Kutsche
Benediction Harlan Lerum, Chaplain
Court of Honor Script
OPENING CEREMONY
[Pre opening music starts at 3:50 - [SPL is in place at podium, 12 scouts in line at left ready to do their part. One Candle is lit in holder. SPL gives Scout sign. As silence is complete.]
[Purple candle is lit before the ceremony starts.]
SPL: Scouts, scouters, guests, friends and family, please rise...
SPL: Color Guard Assemble
Hand salute
Color Guard Forward, Halt
Please post the colors
[The color guard enters from the rear ]
SPL: Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
And to the Republic, for which it stands
One nation under God, indivisible
with Liberty and Justice for all. Two.
SPL: Scouts and Scouters, please make the Scout sign and Join me in the Scout Oath -
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
And to obey the Scout law
To help other people at all times
To keep myself physically strong,
Mentally awake and morally straight.
SPL: Two. Color guard, dismissed. The audience may be seated.
SPL: Harlan Lerum, Chaplain of Troop 6, will give the invocation.
Harlan: Prayer. [Gives prayer from main podium.]
SPL: The Master of Ceremonies for this evening's Court of Honor is Cheryl Siedelmann, Committee Chairman of Troop 6.
MC: I, Cheryl Siedelmann, on behalf of the National Council, Boy Scouts of America, now call this National Court of Honor to order.
MC: To earn the higher rank in Scouting, a young man has to spend a great deal of time and effort. Therefore the occasion which recognizes his accomplishments is very special.
MC: When a boy becomes a scout, there should be instilled within him something that we call the "Scouting Spirit." This single lighted candle represents that spirit.
[HOLD UP THE LIT CANDLE]
Because the scouting spirit embodies the fine principles of the Scout Oath and Law, it becomes a shining beacon of inspiration. Alone this light may be feeble, but when multiplied by the more than four million youth in Scouting, it can become very powerful indeed.
MC: The Scouts of Troop 6 will now present the Scout Law:
[Scouts, holding candles, walk up to center microphone. SPL lights the candles after he gives each law point. Scouts read law explanation.]
SPL: A Scout is Trustworthy.
Scout 1: A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him.
SPL: A Scout is Loyal.
Scout 2: A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.
SPL: A Scout is Helpful.
Scout 3: A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.
SPL: A Scout is Friendly.
Scout 4: A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts.
He offers his friendship to people of all races and nations, and respects them even if their beliefs and customs are different from his own.
SPL: A Scout is Courteous.
Scout 5: A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows that using good manners makes it easier for people to get along.
Caller: A Scout is Kind.
Scout 6: A Scout knows there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. Without good reason, he does not harm or kill any living thing.
SPL: A Scout is Obedient.
Scout 7: A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobeying them.
SPL: A Scout is Cheerful.
Scout 8: A Scout looks for the bright side of life. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
SPL: A Scout is Thrifty.
Scout 9: A Scout works to pay his own way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
SPL: A Scout is Brave.
Scout 10: A Scout can face danger although he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at him or threaten him.
SPL: A Scout is Clean.
Scout 11: A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He chooses the company of those who live by high standards. He helps keep his home and community clean.
SPL: A Scout is Reverent.
Scout 12: A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
SPL: Thank you Scouts, extinguish your candles, you are dismissed.
We are here to honor Austen Kutsche with the Eagle Scout Award. I have prepared some slides to illustrate Austen’s trail to Eagle with Troop 6.
Picture Narrative:
Austen first came to Troop 6 in March of 2008, when he helped with Hans’ Eagle project.
That project was to repair and repaint the bathrooms in the basement at Trinity.
Then in early May he officially joined Troop 6 with two other scouts.
He got a Troop 6 tee shirt for the induction ceremony.
Nick Salazar, as the Senior Patrol Leader, welcomed him into the troop.
With a Boy Scout handshake.
In June he to the Salmon River High Adventure Base with the troop.
They worked on replacing the screens in the Kitchen.
There was time for relaxing at the campfire bowl, and enjoy the great scenery.
Another part of the work included painting the tables in the dining area.
Work went late into the night.
The screen project took two days & power tools.
Then it was time for fun and the troop paddled a raft across the Salmon River.
To catch a bus for some real rafting.
Here we catch Austen playing a game at a regular troop meeting.
And later, hanging out on a nice August evening.
Austen help some other guys get ready for the Haunting of the Elks.
Here he is ready to scare the Cubs at the Elks.
In February 2009, Austen joined other troop officers at their induction.
He got an award from Robin.
Who showed that he was still taller than Austen.
I hope Austen didn’t drink all those sodas by himself.
Here he poses with the rest of the troop for a group picture.
This was at a March meeting, and I’m not sure I want to know what that is on his nose.
Another meeting and Austen participates in a rescue drill.
This might have been a three legged race.
The highlight of the summer was a week at Island Park Scout Camp
Austen was instrumental in getting good meals prepared by the scouts.
Here the troop lines up on a rainy morning for the opening flag ceremony.
That evening there was a nice sunset.
I think he’s saying - “what do you mean, button the shirt?”
Teaching Jovita her knots.
Helping the with an early campfire.
Here Austen may be working on a skit.
Austen found a footrest for his ling legs.
Here he is working on one of his merit badges.
Austen and Seth kayak on the lake.
More relaxing around another campfire.
Followed by a nap.
Austen and Bill serve up some cobbler.
Here Austen, Eric and Calen work on basketry merit badge.
Austen’s turn to take out the trash.
Austen, the troop and guests gather at the dedication of the Siedelmann hall.
Another day at the beach.
The Challenge Ceremony
MC: We come now to that part of our court of honor where we are to give recognition to the candidate for the rank of Eagle Scout.
MC: Would the Troop 6 Honor Guard escort the candidate, Austen Kutsche to the podium.
MC: Awarding the Eagle Badge of rank is an important and serious matter. It is the goal toward which Austen Kutsche has been working for seven years. It is the culmination of effort by his parents and Scout Leaders. It is an occasion for pride and for joy, but, it is also a time for serious contemplation.
The Eagle Badge of rank is the highest and most coveted award in all of Scouting, and it is the last major step in the advancement program. If at this point, Scouting has not achieved its purpose of building character--then it probably never shall. These thoughts, which are the basic code of Scouting, are well summed up in the pledge that is taken by every Scout in the council upon advancement to Eagle rank.
Are you willing to adopt the Eagle Pledge?
AUSTEN: I am.
(First, A Life Scout in the audience interrupts.)
LIFE SCOUT: Stop! I challenge the right of this Scout to be awarded the rank of Eagle.
MC: Who are you and by what right do you challenge?
LIFE SCOUT: I am a Life Scout, and my esteem for the Eagle rank gives me the right to so challenge.
MC: On what grounds do you challenge?
LIFE SCOUT: Has Austen achieved the requirements in Scoutcraft and Life Interest?
ADULT LEADER: His application was verified, and indicates that he has satisfactorily completed the required 21 merit badges in the various fields of endeavor. Are you satisfied Life Scout?
LIFE SCOUT: I am.
(Second, A Tenderfoot Scout in the audience interrupts.)
TENDERFOOT SCOUT: I, too, challenge the right of this Scout to be awarded the rank of Eagle
MC: Who are you and by what right do you challenge?
TENDERFOOT SCOUT: I am a Tenderfoot Scout, and the respect that I have for the uniform that I wear gives me the right to so challenge.
MC: On what grounds do you challenge?
TENDERFOOT SCOUT: Does his Scoutmaster certify that Austen has actively participated in Scouting in his troop. Has he demonstrated leadership, and done his best to help in his home, school, church, and community?
ROBIN: As Scoutmaster of Troop 6, I certify that for more than 6 months since attaining the Life rank, Austen has held leadership positions in his troop. Also, he has been active in school, church, and community activities.
MC: Are you now satisfied?
TENDERFOOT SCOUT: I am.
(Third, An Eagle Scout in the audience interrupts.)
EAGLE SCOUT MATT SOLLE: I too challenge the right of this Scout to be awarded the rank of Eagle.
MC: Who are you and by what right do you challenge?
EAGLE SCOUT: I am an Eagle Scout, and the pride that I have in this badge that I wear over my heart gives me the right to so challenge.
MC: On what grounds do you challenge?
EAGLE SCOUT: Has Austen demonstrated his Scouting Spirit? Has his ability to live and act in accordance with the ideals of Scouting, as exemplified by the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan been noted?
ADULT LEADER: As a member of the board that reviewed Austen’s record, I certify that, after investigation, interview, and examination. The board is of the opinion that Austen has demonstrated that he has held to the spirit of Scouting in his daily living. The board recommends his advancement to Eagle.
MC: Are you now satisfied, EAGLE SCOUT?
EAGLE SCOUT: I am still not satisfied. I believe that Austen should understand that the Eagle Rank is a big responsibility. As well as an honor, and I respectfully ask that Austen be informed of the responsibilities of an Eagle Scout before continuing further.
MC: Thank you, Eagle Scout Matt Solle. I agree with your feelings. The Adult leaders of Troop 6 will detail those responsibilities:
ADULT LEADER: The first responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor, which to an Eagle is sacred. Honor is the foundation of character -- it is what a person really is, down inside, not what someone may think he is. An Eagle will live so as to reflect credit upon his home, church, school, friends, upon Scouting, and upon himself. May the white of your Eagle badge always remind you to live with honor.
ADULT LEADER: The second responsibility of an Eagle Scout is loyalty, for without loyalty, character lacks direction. An Eagle is loyal to his ideals. May the blue of your Eagle badge always remind you to be loyal.
ADULT LEADER: The third responsibility of an Eagle Scout is courage. Courage gives character force and strength. Trusting in God and with faith in his fellowman, the Eagle faces each day unafraid, and seeks his share of the world's work. May the red of your Eagle badge always remind you of courage.
ADULT LEADER: The final responsibility of an Eagle Scout is service. He extends a helping hand to those who toil up the Scouting trail he has completed, just as others helped him in his achievement of the Eagle rank. The habit of the daily Good Turn must take on new meaning and blossom forth into a life of service. The Eagle protects and defends the weak and the helpless. He aids and comforts the oppressed and the unfortunate. He upholds the rights of others while defending his own. His code of honor is based upon the belief that leadership is founded upon real service.
EAGLE SCOUT: Mrs. Siedelmann, if Austen is willing and eager to accept the mantle of responsibility, as well as the honor of the badge, then I will be satisfied and request that you proceed to administer the Eagle pledge.
MC: (To Eagle candidate) Are you ready and willing to accept these responsibilities and to adopt the Eagle pledge?
AUSTEN: I am.
MC: Matt Solle will now deliver the Charge to Eagle. Would all Eagle Scouts in the audience please join us in the Eagle’s nest at the podium.
Matt: Scouts, scouters, parents and guests please stand.
[Matt moves to stand facing the candidate]
Matt: All Eagle Scouts, make the scout sign and repeat after me.
(Repeat the Eagle pledge)
EAGLE SCOUT OATH
“I reaffirm my allegiance
to the three promises of the Scout Oath
I thoughtfully recognize and take upon myself the obligations
and responsibilities of the rank of Eagle Scout
On my honor I will do my best
to make my training an example
my rank and my influence count strongly
for better Scouting and for better citizenship
in my troop and in my community
and in my contacts with other people
To this I pledge my sacred honor.
Robin: Ladies and gentlemen, by the authority vested in me by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America it is my privilege to present to you Eagle Scout Austen Kutsche.
Presentation of awards:
MC: Would the Honor Guard please conduct Austen’s parents, forward.
MC: Honor Guard dismissed.
MC: Austen’s mother will now present Lance with his Eagle Medal.
MC: No-one will ever know the unnumbered acts of service and helpfulness from the mother of this Eagle Scout which has led us to this night. As the symbol of what this mom has made possible, the court asks Austen to present his mother with a Mom’s Eagle Pin.
(Gives Mom a hug and kiss)
MC: Your father has watched your scouting career over the years. The court asks that you present him with an Eagle Dad Pin. Your dad will in turn present you with an Eagle tie tack for your use.
(Gives Dad a handshake & hug)
MC: Austen will now present his Eagle mentor pins to ?
AUSTEN: Presents pins, adds his comments.
MC: The leaders of Troop 6 will now present other Eagle items:
MC: The Eagle Scout badge, and knot for your adult uniform.
MC: The Eagle Neckerchief and slide to you.
MC: Eagle Certificate and card for you.
MC: (OTHER STUFF)
MC: In remembrance of your scouting career, all the fun times and all the work we have an Eagle album of your Scouting pictures with Troop 6.
MC: Would the honor guard please escort the parents to their seats.
CLOSING
MC: Harlan Lerum will now give the benediction.
Harlan: [Benediction]
MC: I now declare this National Court of Honor closed. I ask the members of the Court and Eagle Scouts present to be the first to congratulate Austen Kutsche. A reception with refreshments has been prepared for everyone in Mary Dawson Hall.