Oct 1, 2010
Matthew Arthur Solle
Matt Solle was born on October 22, 1993 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He attended Westside Elementary, and it was there that he joined Pack 132 as a Tiger Cub. He worked his way up to Webelos, with his father being the Den leader of both the first and second year Webelos. While in Cub Scouts Matt’s favorite activities were the Haunting of Krupp Scout Hollow, and the Pinewood Derby. Blaine Johnson was Matt’s Cubmaster when Matt was in Pack 132. Matt’s Webelos den attended Winterees and Green Canyon as early as 2004. At the end of 5th grade, Matt bridged over to Troop 6 at Trinity United Methodist Church. It was at the bridging ceremony that Matt first met Robin Stewart, who would later become his Scoutmaster.
Matt’s first merit badge that he earned was in Music. His first summer camp was at Treasurer Mountain in 2007, where he enjoyed the waterfront as well as the Battle of the Tetons competition. In 2008 he went to Camp Morrison in McCall, then to Venturing Cedar Badge held at Island Park Scout Camp. In 2009 he went back to Island Park for Scout Camp, and it was there that he and his patrol began playing their card games that they love so well. He went to Camp Easton in 2010. Matt swam the mile swim at both Island Park and Camp Easton. Matt’s favorite camp experience was the leadership training at Cedar Badge in Island Park. Matt prefers floating and canoeing to hiking and at Island Park he participated in over 50 miles of paddling on the rivers around Island Park. His love of water took him to Camp Easton where he earned his water sports merit badge for waterskiing.
Matt has enjoyed many activities with Troop 6 including winter camping, backpacking, climbing, canoeing and kayaking, waterskiing and tubing, downhill and Nordic skiing. He participated in a 68 mile trip down the Missouri River. Matt has served as Patrol Leader, Scribe, Musician, Assistant Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader.
Matt’s Eagle Project involved building two brooder boxes for the zoo as well as four special transport boxes used to ship birds from zoo to zoo.
When Matt isn’t in Scouts he participates on the Piranhas and Skyline Swim teams. He is also involved in Orchestra and has played the violin since he was in fifth grade. He volunteers for the Idaho Falls community kitchen and with Moira at CanDo Inc., a recreational group for adults with Developmental Disabilities.
Matt has enjoyed his years with Troop 6, especially the friends that he has made by being a member of the troop.
Program
September 29, 2010
Opening Ceremony Austin Jensen
Senior Patrol Leader
Eagle Investiture Cheryl Siedelmann
Troop Committee Chairman
Slide Show Troop 6 Leaders
Award Presentation Troop 6 Leaders
Charge to Eagles Eagle Scout Greg Bass
Benediction Chaplain Richard Dickson
Troop 6 Leaders: Scoutmaster, Robin Stewart
Assistant Scoutmasters: Elliot Sussman
Blaine Johnson, Dean Addiego, Bob Boozer
Committee members: Ron Salazar, Jovita Cosens
Moira and Tim Solle, Susan Smith
Greg Bass, Harlan Lerum, Sara Jensen
Michael Kelso, Lisa Richardson, Nancy Stewart
Chaplain: Richard Dickson
Committee Chairman: Cheryl Siedelmann
Chartered Org. Representative: Bill O’Steen
Reception will follow, provided by Matt’s parents.
Troop 6 BSA is sponsored by Trinity United Methodist Church and is chartered in the Eagle Rock District of the Grand Teton Council
OPENING CEREMONY
[Pre opening music starts at 7:20 - [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: Richard Dickson, Chaplain of Troop 6, will give the invocation.
Richard: 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.
THE EAGLE INVESTITURE
MC: We are gathered here tonight to bestow the rank of Eagle Scout on Matthew A. Solle. The Eagle Award is the culmination of the various efforts of many leaders of this Scout. It is an occasion for pride and joy and a time for serious contemplation. We realize that this is the highest rank in Scouting, and the most coveted of all awards in Scouting. It is the last major step in the advancement program. It is, therefore, right and proper that a careful examination of the qualifications of applicant has been made. In order that you may understand the completeness of our examination, we shall explain the various inquiries made regarding the candidate. First, Robin Stewart, representing the Scoutmasters of Troop 6.
Robin: The first consideration in the examination of Matt was proficiency in the various crafts and skills prescribed in the requirements for the Eagle Award. He presented a record of 33 merit badges earned and these have been carefully checked. He has been certified by merit badge counselors approved by the troop committee, and the Board found that Matt has fully qualified for the 21 required merit badges for the Eagle Award.
MC: Sara Jensen representing the Board of Review formed from the Troop 6 Committee.
Sara: Another important consideration for the Eagle Award is leadership. The Board of Review has carefully reviewed the record of the leadership positions Matt has held in the troop, including Senior Patrol Leader. The Eagle service project which Matt planned and supervised, was to build bird brooder and transport boxes for the zoo . We find that He has demonstrated his capacity and his willingness to exert his leadership ability in activities that are constructive and worthwhile in this community. We believe that he is qualified to receive the Eagle Award.
MC: And now, Bill O’Steen, representing the sponsoring organization, Trinity United Methodist Church, which supports our troop.
Bill: Last, but certainly not least, is the Scout's character. We have heard from teachers, his pastor, his parents, his neighbors, and many others regarding Matt. It is the finding of the Board that he is endeavoring to put into practice in his daily life, the principles of the Scout Oath and Law. We believe he will continue these habits after receiving the Eagle Award.
PRESENTATION OF THE EAGLE
MC: Would the Troop 6 Honor Guard escort the candidate, Matthew Arthur Solle to the podium.
[Display first slide - Matt with Eagle badge.]
[Honor guard brings Matt forward, facing the audience. 4 ASMs step up to mic.]
[Matt stands ready to light the appropriate candles as required. Assistant Scoutmasters mover to lower podium.]
MC: Honor Guard dismissed.
MC: There are lifelong responsibilities and obligations that come with the rank of Eagle Scout and they should not be undertaken lightly.
ASM 1: The first obligation of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. An Eagle's honor is sacred. Honor is the foundation of all character. Character is what one really is down deep inside, not what someone thinks one is. An Eagle will so live that he reflects honor upon his home, his church, his school, his friends and upon himself... May the white of your badge remind you to live with honor.
[Matt lights white candle]
ASM 2: The second obligation of an Eagle Scout is loyalty. Without loyalty, all character lacks direction. An Eagle is loyal to his ideals. “To thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night into day, thou cannot then be false to any man.” Neither pain nor profit, pride nor personal loss shall swerve him in his loyalty... May the blue of your badge remind you to always be loyal.
[Matt lights blue candle]
ASM 3: The third obligation of an Eagle Scout is courage. Courage gives all character force and strength. Trusting in God and with faith in his fellow man, he faces each day unafraid and seeks his share of the world's work to do... May the red of your badge remind you always of courage.
[Matt lights red candle]
ASM 4: The final obligation of an Eagle Scout is service. He extends a helping hand to those who still toil up the Scouting trail he has just 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 in a life of service. He protects and defends the weak and helpless. He aids and comforts the unfortunate and the oppressed. He upholds the rights of others while demanding his own. His code of action is based upon the belief that real leadership must be founded upon real service... May the motto "Be Prepared" always remind you that as an Eagle you are among those best prepared to be of service to others... May the eagle suspended from the ribbon always remind you to perform that service when the opportunity presents itself.
MC: Eagle Candidate Matt Solle, are you willing to accept these responsibilities?
Matt: I am.
MC: I’ve collected some of your Scout pictures to remind you and the others of the fun you had in Scouting.
[Readers get ready. MC extinguishes all the candles.]
2005
First, here are a couple of pictures of Matt as a Cub Scout, with his carved pumpkin.
And doing a little brushing up.
Matt Came to Troop 6 from Pack 132 in the Spring of 2005, Here he is at his induction ceremony with Bob Yoder and Josh Bradley.
A very young Matt works on a clay sculpture.
Practicing with the canoes is alway a good idea before you hit the water.
In May Troop 6 put on a flag ceremony for the opening of the new Eagle’s Lodge, it was windy and they had a difficult time.
June comes and its time to load up stuff for the annual garage sale.
Another memorable meeting where a herpetologist came and Matt got to pet a snake.
Where did the summer go? Here’s Matt at Scouting for Food.
In December we had a very cold sledding activity at Freeman Park.
And the year ended with a ski trip to Kelly Canyon, where Matt, Austin and others were worn out.
2006
For Scout Month in 2006 Matt got to represent Boy Scouts to the Mayor, Aaron is the Cub Scout.
Matt and his buddies have fun rolling silverware for the Scout Sunday Dutch Oven brunch.
Then it’s off to the Winteree at Treasure Mountain, Here Matt and Lance work with Alice on the Treasure hunt.
A court of honor has Matt getting his first merit badges.
In March the troop went to the climbing gym for a meeting and Matt learned belaying.
In June we hosted Cub family camp at Krupp and Matt demonstrated his fiddling ability.
And also his flexibility.
That year’s 50 miler was a memorable canoe trip down the Missouri River in Montana. Here Matt and other inspect the fish that Ron caught.
Campfires on the trip were eventful, here the guys sing the chorus of “Ghost Chickens” - Bak, bak, bak (flapping arms)
And a calm scene of cruising down the river.
Later that year, for a service project we cleaned up some weeds at a horse shelter.
And helped Brian Porter in September with a river clean up project.
Then a trip to the City Council chambers to do the flag ceremony.
2007
The troop gets together outside to practice fire building and other skills for the Winteree.
The February court of honor has Matt with more advancements and awards.
May was a really cold Jamboral and Matt and Austin chow down on some Scout popcorn.
Another Family camp, and Matt leads a skit.
Then does some fiddling for everyone’s entertainment.
Late June comes and the float is prepared for the Independence Day parade. We won the Mayor’s Prize that year.
Matt and the guys are out gathering and trying out junk for the rummage sale.
Some of the guys relax after a hard day at Treasure Mountain Scout camp.
Here they compete in the Battle of the Tetons.
Then in September, Matt and Aaron practice for a canoeing outing to the Beaverhead river.
In October Matt, Bob and Aaron helped collect and store furniture for the next rummage sale.
He went with Moira and Aaron to the District Roundtable to present an Indian theme.
Also in October, Matt and others helped on Eric Bass’ Eagle project to work on the Stinking Springs trail.
Austin and Matt dress up and help with the Haunting of the Elks.
Matt and Aaron help sort food at the Elks for Scouting for Food.
2008
There was a great storm and the Winteree had to be moved from Pine Basin to Krupp, but that didn’t stop Matt, Nathan and Calen from having a good time.
Matt’s patrol participated in the stretcher relay,
In February Matt participated in a snow caving outing
Then family camp again, where they made and used “Creative Anachronism” swords
Matt got to participate in Eric Bass’ Eagle Ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church.
That year Troop 6 travelled to Camp Morrison by McCall. Matt and Aaron did a flag retirement.
They spent a lot of time at the waterfront on Payette Lake playing in the canoes.
Matt did the swimming leg of the troop competition.
That August, Matt attended Venturing Kodiak Cedar Badge and participated in a canoe trip down the Henry’s Fork.
In September Matt’s tent was a bit the worse for wear when preparing for a backpack to Fishpole Lake.
2009
Winteree at Pine Basin and Matt is competing with the Tiger patrol. He designed the 2009 Winteree patch.
At the Court of Honor, Matt takes the oath as the Senior Patrol leader.
He celebrates a recognition with his patrol mates, Aaron, Austin and Nathan.
Matt enjoys a snack at the Merit Badge scramble at St. Paul’s.
In March he gets some help with a song at a troop meeting.
He leads a flag ceremony during Junior Leader Training at the Siedelmann cabin.
Then he fiddles while the rest of the guys perform a rigorous dance.
And he helps with breakfast in the morning.
In April the troop took a bike ride to the top of Cedar Butte where the view is great.
Then we got ice cream in the only store at the thriving metropolis of Atomic City.
On the ride back to camp the guys did a bit of rappelling into a lava tube cave.
Matt leads the troop in a campfire program
June and Matt helps clean up after a rainy garage sale
Island Park Scout camp was our location for sumer camp that year, Here Matt helps serve lunch.
The guys had a lot of fun at the Low Cope course, wiggling through the spider web
Matt and Austin have to carry Calen after he “died” on one of the activities.
Another competition that stumped them was to get a tire over a tall pole.
Troop 6 won the morning yell competition and got to decorate the spirit stick one day.
Here Matt leads the camp in a flag ceremony
And heads off on his Wilderness Survival campout.
A family portrait as Matt waits to compete in the canoe race.
And here he is off canoeing again.
Matt joins Troop 6 at the dedication of the Siedelmann Learning Center.
Matt and Calen hobnob after the ceremony.
Doing the Milk song at the closing campfire.
Another favorite outing - boating and tubing at Ririe reservoir. Here they play king of the water pump.
Not much later, it snows, as usual, at the annual Green Canyon outing but Matt helps lash a tower.
Here’s an action shot at the pool.
2010 - Centennial year
Matt leads his patrol at the Winteree
In February they try to warm frozen gloves at the snow caving outing.
Then he rescues Lance from a collapsed qunzee.
Robin lines up the troops and sleds to tow them back to the cars.
Here they all stand on an igloo to show how tough it is.
In June Matt went along on the Snake River backpack hike.
One more year of summer camp - at Camp Easton near Coeur d’Alene. Here the guys play cards.
Matt passes the swim test with flying colors.
The Scouts practice indian sign language with “Goatee”
Trying hard at the tug-o-war during the inter-troop competitions.
Matt helps Hans with the service project of burying water line.
Here once again Matt leads the camp in a flag ceremony done by Troop 6.
Matt does the mile swim while his spotting crew looks on.
Then the troop comes back from Mica Bay in the war canoe.
Brendon and Matt play more cards with the staffers.
Here’s a nice portrait from the card game.
Calen rescues Matt as part of the scout skills competition.
Matt and the rest of Troop 6 look distinctive in their blue teeshirts.
Matt and Calen enjoy the lunch in the dining hall at Camp Easton.
The August water sports outing finds Matt and others fishing for crawfish. They make good eating.
Here Matt pitches in at the year planning session just last month.
Matt’s Eagle project was to build boxes for the zoo to transport birds.
Just last weekend at the Camporee Matt led the closing flag ceremony.
Later he joined the troop in playing their favorite Ninja game.
Here is Matt’s Eagle portrait with his parents, he plans to earn several Eagle palms before he’s done.
[Matt Scout Symbol]
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
MC: Would the Honor Guard please conduct Matt’s parents, Moira and Tim Solle, forward.
MC: Honor Guard dismissed.
MC: By the authority vested in this Court of Honor, by the National Council, Boy Scouts of America, and by the recommendation of the various persons who have investigated your credentials, your leadership practice and your character, this Court hereby awards the rank of Eagle Scout to Matthew A. Solle of Troop 6 of Idaho Falls.
[Wait for applause.]
MC: Matt’s mother, Moira Solle, will now present Matt 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 Matt to present his mother with a Mom’s Eagle Pin.
MC: Your father has watched your scouting career over the years and has offered his support. 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.
MC: Matt has some grand parent’s pins to present.
MC: Matt will now present his Eagle mentor pins to Blaine Johnson and Cheryl Siedelmann.
Matt: 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 when you turn 18.
MC: The Eagle Neckerchief to you.
MC: Eagle Certificate and card for you.
MC: Grand Teton Council Centennial coin and Eagle Scout Council Shoulder patch.
MC: I’m proud of my Eagle Scout bumper stickers for your parents.
MC: In remembrance of your scouting career, all the fun times and all the work we have an Eagle album of your Scouting pictures.
MC: Would the honor guard please escort the parents to their seats.
[Honor guard moves parents clear, Court resumes their seats, candidate returns to his position near the American Flag.]
MC: Greg Bass 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.
THE EAGLE CHARGE
Greg: Matt, I have the honor of presenting to you the Charge to Eagle Scouts on this occasion of your elevation to the highest rank in Scouting. This charge will be a permanent reminder of the principles of the scouting program and of Eagle Scouts. It can only be presented to you by another Eagle Scout, and I am proud to be one.
The scouts of all nations constitute one of the most wholesome and significant movements in the world's history. You have been judged by the Boy Scouts of America of being worthy of the highest rank in this great movement. All who know you rejoice in your achievement.
Your position, as you know, is one of honor and responsibility, you are a marked man. As an Eagle Scout, you have assumed a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to your country, to your fellow Scouts and to mankind in general. This is a great undertaking. As you live up to your obligations you bring honor to yourself and to your brother scouts. America has many good things to give you and your children. But these good things depend for the most part on the quality of her citizens. Our country has had a great past. You can help make the future even better.
I charge you, Matt, to undertake your citizenship with a solemn dedication. Be a leader, but lead only toward the best. Lift up every task you do and every office you hold to a high level of service to God and to your fellow man. So live and serve, that those who know you will be inspired to finer living.
I charge you, to be among those who dedicate their skills and abilities to the common good. Build America on the solid foundation of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship, and reverence for God; and whatever others may do, you will leave behind a record of which every other Scout may be justly proud.
Matt, I challenge you to enter this Eagle brotherhood, holding ever before you, without reservation, the ideals of honor and service. By the repetition of the Eagle Scout Promise before your fellow members, you will become an Eagle Scout. Though the words you use are similar to those by which you joined Scouting, they will mean more now than they could have meant at any time in the past. When you pledge yourself on your sacred honor, you will be sealing your eternal loyalty to the code of the Eagle Scout with the words which closed the Declaration of Independence.
Greg: Scouts, scouters, parents and guests please stand.
[Greg moves to stand facing the candidate]
Greg: All Eagle Scouts, make the scout sign and repeat after me.
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 to count strongly
for better scouting and better citizenship
in my troop and in my community
and in my contacts with other people.
To this I pledge my sacred honor.
Two
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 Matthew A. Solle.
CLOSING
MC: Will the honor guard please escort the new Eagle Scout to the parlor.
[Honor guard moves Matt and all other Eagles to the rear of the room. ]
MC: Richard Dickson will now give the benediction.
Richard: [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 Matt Solle. A reception with refreshments has been prepared for everyone in the parlor.
