Troop 740, College Park - Eagle Scout Court of Honor

On Sunday November 19th, Boy Scout Troop 740 of College Park, MD will be honoring Clayton Strathman on achieving the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program, Eagle Scout. Clayton will be presented with his Eagle Medal and Badge for the rank of Eagle Scout that visibly recognizes his accomplishments.

Only four percent of Boy Scouts are granted this rank after the completion of the requirements necessary to achieve this rank, which includes earning 21 merit badges, demonstrating scout spirit, living by the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages.

Clayton wanted to do a service project for Holy Redeemer Church, where he attended Grade School, Church, and Boy Scouts. Clayton talked with Father Mark to inquire on what he could do for the church and/or school for his Eagle Scout Service Project. Clayton was asked to repaint the flagpole and install a stone base around the flagpole. Clayton agreed to the service project and presented the idea to the Troop's Scoutmaster and to the boy scouts. Clayton began working on a plan to strip and repaint the flagpole, determine the cost of the supplies and equipment that would be needed to complete the project.

The flagpole is 28 feet tall which would require a Cherry Picker in order to reach the top of the flagpole to strip and repaint. Clayton was able to locate a person who owned a cherry picker who was quite willing to help and a co-worker of Clayton's Mother was able to lend the power temper required to lay the stone base. Clayton located a stone store which had a stone base that he needed for the stone base. Clayton contacted the county and city to determine if any permits would be required for the project, which he found were not needed. Clayton began completing the paperwork required for his Eagle Project and after receiving all of the approvals, Clayton began his project mid-June of 2016. The funding for the project was made possible by donations matching funds. Supplies and tools had been either bought or solicited from volunteers from the troop and friends. Clayton was able to overcome several obstacles throughout the course of his project. With the help of scouts, scouters, family and friends, Clayton was able to complete his project in late August, 2016. Father Conrad of Holy Redeemer Church, also an Eagle Scout, blessed the completed project. Soon after, Clayton was invited back to the first flag ceremony of the year for Holy Redeemer Middle School where he lead the Boy Scouts in raising the flag.