Two Eagle Scout Awards Given in Fort Fairfield

Cassidy and Tuck two Latest Eagle Scouts in Troop 194

By:  David Deschesne

Fort Fairfield Journal, October 16, 2013

   Fort Fairfield Boy Scout Troop 194 held an Eagle Scout award ceremony for Collin Cassidy and Andrew Tuck at the Fort Fairfield V.F.W. last Sunday afternoon.

   Collin is the son of Joe and Heather Cassidy.  For his Eagle Scout Community project, he helped refurbish a train car for the Frontier Heritage Historical Society in Fort Fairfield.

   Andrew, the son of Dave and Lori Tuck chose building 18 picnic tables for the Riverside Park in Fort Fairfield.

   The two scouts each pinned commemorative Eagle pins on their mothers and fathers.  Their mothers then proceeded to pin them with their Eagle scout badge, followed by their fathers who gave them their Eagle bolo tie.

   The Eagle award is the highest and most coveted rank in scouting, the last major step in the advancement program.  Less than 1 out of 50 scouts, or 2% of the United States, achieves the Eagle rank.

To become an Eagle scout, a scout must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, including 12 which are required.  He must serve actively in troop leadership position for a period of six months after achieving the rank of life scout.  While a Life scout, he must plan, develop, and carry out a service project helpful to a religious institution, a school, or community in a manner worthy of an Eagle Scout and appear before a Board of Review.

Collin has been in troop 194 for four years.  He has earned a total of 26 merit badges.  Over the years he has served as Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Assistant Patrol Leader.  His Eagle project was refurbishing the cabose for the Frontier Heritage Historical Soceity in Fort Fairfield.

Andrew has been in troop 194 for seven years.  He has earned a total of 26 merit badges.  He has also served as Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Assistant Patrol Leader.  His Eagle project was to design, plan and organize the building of 18 picnic tables for the new Riverside Park in Fort Fairfield.

Collin presented his mentor pin to Mr. John Ala, who was his teacher in 4th and 5th grade.  "He's been my coach all throughout High School for baseball and soccer.  He's been my friend ever since then.  I've always looked to him for advice and he's helped me out in many other ways."

Andrew presented his mentor pin to Mr. Barry Higgins.  "All throughout Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, he was always there.  He was always the one who wanted to help me whenever I needed help with my merit badges. 

"It's been an honor to work with these young men," said Robert Bixler, troop 194 Scout Master.  "I got to see these boys start out as children, grow to young men, become leaders, become something special in their community.   The most important thing I have to say to all parents is give the kids a chance.  Put them in that place of leadership, make them walk that line and they will make you happy.  I'm very proud of Collin and Andrew and congratulate them on achieving this rank."

   After the ceremony approximately 75 friends and family members enjoyed a potluck buffet meal.