Three recognized at Eagle Court of Honor
Boy Scout Troop 32, of Marquette-McGregor, held an Eagle Court of Honor ceremony March 19, recognizing three young men—Nicholas Larson (left), Hunter Jensen and Walter Stavroplus—who attained Scouting’s highest rank over the past year. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor
Boy Scout Troop 32, of Marquette-McGregor, held an Eagle Court of Honor ceremony March 19, recognizing three young men—Nicholas Larson, Hunter Jensen and Walter Stavroplus—who attained Scouting’s highest rank over the past year.
Larson’s Eagle Scout project involved restoring the Civil War headstones at McGregor’s Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Over a dozen headstones were cleaned and raised to the correct height.
For his project, Jensen helped design and prepare a site for an all veterans memorial stone in McGregor’s Cannon Park. The work included digging down two feet, building a frame for the concrete and using rods to support a concrete pad on which the memorial stone sits.
Renovations to the food stand in Marquette’s city park were completed through Stavroplus’ project. New interior walls and counter tops were installed, existing cabinetry was refinished and more electrical outlets were added.
“They worked long and hard throughout their careers to reach this point,” said Tom Sinclair, who is scoutmaster of the troop along with Jim Farnsworth. “They were these little kids, and look at what we’ve got now. I could see their confidence and leadership grow over the years. It’s truly been a pleasure working with them.”
Of those who become involved in Scouting, Sinclair said fewer than 5 to 6 percent attain the rank of Eagle Scout.
“We’ve had a lot of Eagle Scouts,” said Sinclair of Troop 32. “Walter is number 32.”
Both Sinclair and Farnsworth credited the scouts’ parents for the help they’ve provided.
“[Scouting] is a family undertaking,” Farnsworth said. “Parents are a major motivator. We’ve had good family involvement and good, quality kids.”
Each of the scouts thanked their parents: Nick is the son of Todd and Kara Larson, Hunter is the son of Chris and Sherry Jensen and Walter is the son of Nick and Jan Stavroplus.
They were also appreciative of their leaders and the people who donated their time and/or funds to the projects.
“We couldn’t do it without community support,” Sinclair added, recognizing the Legion for its sponsorship of the troop.
