On April 27, an Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held to present the Eagle Scout award to Noah Dean Morgan at St. Paul’s UCC Church in Auburn. The Court of Honor is a special ceremony held to formally recognize and celebrate the achievement of the highest rank in the Scouts BSA program.
As a second-grade student, Morgan attended his first Cub Scout meeting in September 2013. Working through all cub scout ranks, he then crossed over into the Boy Scouts in September 2018. As a Boy Scout, he was required to complete the Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life Scout ranks. From his first step as a Cub Scout Bobcat, 12 years later, Morgan achieved the Boy Scouts highest rank of Eagle Scout in October of 2024.
Over his tenure in the troop, he had earned the required (21) merit badges, an additional (21) merit badges, provided (65) hours of community service, hiked over (78) miles and camped (95) nights.
Morgan held the Quartermaster position in the Troop which is responsible for the supplies. He kept an inventory of troop equipment and ensured that the gear was in good condition for campouts and hiking trips. He was also known as the Troop’s “IT Guy” who assisted those who were challenged by technology.
Family, friends, fellow boy scouts from Troop 651 and local dignitaries were there to support and congratulate him on his achievements. Parents, Tracy and Michael Morgan, shared heartfelt letters that they had written for Morgan to help others understand the amount of work and dedication he presented to complete the Eagle Scout rank.
Further stories were shared by Scoutmaster Jason Wood and Pastor Ken McDowell. Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess and State Rep. Tim Twardzik offered their congratulations as well and presented Morgan with Letters of Commendations. In addition, Morgan was recognized by former President Joe Biden by Letter of Commendation, US Rep. Dan Meuser by Letter of Commendation and a US Flag flown over the US Capitol. State Senator David Argall by Letter of Commendation and the Marine Corps League by Letter of Commendation.
Pastor Ken McDowell spoke about the selection, planning and execution of Morgan’s Eagle Scout Project. His project entailed renovating the St. Paul’s UCC outdoor pavilion and band stand. Parts of the areas were in disrepair and much work had to be done to make it safe and useful for the congregation. Morgan and his team installed 10 tons of gravel in the pavilion, installed French drains and repainted the facilities.
Troop 651, over the past 45 years since its inception in 1980, has had 51 scouts achieve the rank of Eagle. Typically, less than 4% of Boy Scouts become Eagle Scouts.
Aspiring Eagle Scouts embark on a journey of accomplishment, earning a minimum of (21) merit badges, a feat that includes all (14) of the Eagle-required badges. These badges span crucial life skills, from personal fitness and understanding environmental science to developing public speaking abilities, engaging in civic responsibility, and gaining financial compass. Beyond individual achievements, Scouts forge lasting bonds with their peers, tackling challenges, learning moral principles and life lessons along the way. Eagle Scouts can also have a competitive advantage in college admissions, job applications, and military service.
If your child is interested in joining a scout pack or troop, please visit BeAScout.org to find your closet one. Boys and girls, K thru 5th grade, can join the same Cub Scout Pack. 6th grade and older would join separate Boy or Girl Scout Troops depending on availability by your local area. Troop 651 is always looking for additional Scouts to join the ranks and begin the journey towards Eagle Scout.
Article and photos submitted
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