Local Scout earns his wings

KEOSAUQUA ? Jay Palmer Stookesberry, Fairfield High School senior, was honored for his achievement in earning the Eagle Scout rank March 12 at the Keosauqua Christian Church in Keosauqua.

Master of Ceremonies Jim Pedrick presented a large wooden plaque with all the Eagle Scout?s names and years listed, to be displayed in the church.

The ceremony was attended by 75 family and friends followed by dinner and dessert at Village Cup and Cakes.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in Scouting. This performance-based achievement is only accomplished by about 2 percent of all Boy Scouts. Since 1910, more than 1 million Scouts have earned the honor.

?Achieving Eagle Scout status is a difficult challenge and not something every Scout can fulfill,? said Bob Hopper, executive director of the Mid-Iowa Council of the Boy Scouts of America. ?I?m proud of the effort and dedication Jay showed by earning this status. It is truly a title that will help him throughout his life.?

Eagle Scouts must demonstrate the goals of Scouting ? citizenship training, character development and personal fitness ? and fulfill requirements in areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills. A number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks and are demonstrated through specific tests organized by requirements and merit badges.

Stookesberry earned a total of 34 merit badges during his Boy Scout career, which ends when a boy turns 18 years old. During his Scouting career, which began in 2004, he has served as Quartermaster, Scribe, Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader and Order of the Arrow Representative in Troop 99.

To be declared an Eagle Scout, a boy must be tested on specific requirements and then reviewed. The review takes into account the Scout?s attitude and practice in the ideals of Scouting. Eagle Scouts must be reviewed first by the troop, then by the district and local council, and finally, by the National Council before Eagle Scout recognition.

Stookesberry achieved Eagle Scout recognition Nov. 3. His Eagle project was the installation of 10 new removable 20-foot aluminum flag poles that include below-surface cement bases at the Lebanon Cemetery.

Stookesberry is the son of John and Sonia Stookesberry of Milton. He has two sisters, Stefany and Nancy. His other hobbies include playing musical instruments, baseball and strength conditioning.