Bird Haven Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner

Today was a wonderful day.

Ethan, along with many other 2013 Eagle Scout Recipients, 

were honored at the 

Bird Haven District's Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner.

There were 83 Eagle Scouts in 2013 in the Bird Haven District. Unfortunately the majority of the boys did not attend the dinner. Speculation was that many of them were now serving LDS missions due to the recent age change for missionaries. 

12 of the 83 Eagle Scouts attended.

Ethan was given his recognition certificate, 

a Golden Spike quarter turned pin,

and a very cool flashlight pen

by Utah House of Representative Lee Perry.

Proud Mom and Dad with their Eagle Scout.

The Keynote Speaker, Kevin Hall, was a great speaker.

I really loved his message to the boys.

He admonished them to not stop 

at Eagle, but to remember the oath they made

 when they received their Eagle to reach back and to help future Eagle Scouts. To give back to Scouting

as a thanks for all that Scouting had given to them. 

Scott Mendenhall (District Chairman), Kevin Hall (Keynote Speaker), Ethan,

 Paul Parker (District Exec), Ben Crook (District Commissioner), 

Representative Lee Perry (Utah House of Representatives)

An Eagle Scout

Tonight Ethan had his Eagle Board of Review. He was super excited and a little nervous as he headed on his way with Nate to the Church. When we asked him about the interview he could hardly recall any details. Nerves, followed by euphoria will do that to you. He wanted to act very solemn, like he hadn't passed, when he walked out but he could not contain his excitement nor his smile. It was one of the biggest ones we have ever seen! Super proud of you Buddy! You have worked so very hard  and are now reaping the benefits. 

Ethan's Eagle Scout Project

 For Ethan's Eagle Project he got with the South Willard Water Company and came up with a plan to remove Sage Brush from around the large water tanks that hold and provide water for the community. If the Sage Brush are allowed to remain and grow large the roots can over time breach the water tank and cause the tanks to fail. If that were to happen they would need to be replaced, which would cost around a million dollars. 

So Ethan set up a time for volunteers to come and work together to remove the Sage Brush. He had around 40 or so people come with tools and some heavy equipment to remove the offending brush. 

Grandpa Burke's personal pile of Sage Brush that he removed. He was quite pleased with this accomplishment. Given he is such an old man now. Haha!

Ethan using my Loud Mouth to give directions to his many volunteers.

Aunt Jen and Shaylen were among the many who arrived to lend a helping hand. Unfortunately for us, Shay and I were the only ones to encounter a snake. It was at the same time and of course we both  screamed like the little girls we once were. (shudder) 

Ally helped man the volunteer check-in/out table. She kept a log of how much time each volunteer gave. 

Ethan asked me to be in charge of Otter Pop and water distribution as well as photography for the day. 

Ethan also had a Willard Firefighter come and be on hand to make sure that we someone there to help assist in the event of an injury, a snake bite and to watch over the brush being burned.

Proud Mom and Dad with their hard working boy

Some of the Sage Brush awaiting burning. 

With the planning, preparation and time of the volunteers he acquired 115 hours and 23 minutes. He worked really hard and we are super  proud of him and all of his efforts. Now on to the Board of Review!