Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Walter Schnaderbeck Satellite Beach, Florida Troop 309
(Tape 1 music--- On Eagles Wing --- starts Four minutes prior to ceremony.)
(All participants position themselves for the ceremony)
(Chairs on stage near podium for: Dave Veenstra, Luke Godson, Jewell Mitchell, Ken Fallon, Bud Smith and Joe Godson)
(Dave Veenstra positions himself at podium and starts ceremony at the end of music.)
(O.A. Honor Guard escorts parents to their seats. Return to the rear of the church.)
Dave Veenstra: Good Evening. My name is David Veenstra. We are here tonight to honor Scout Walter Carl Schnaderbeck for his ascent up the Eagle mountain. This is indeed a special night in the life of this scout and this troop.
I would like to introduce several honored guests in our audience today. As I call your names please stand and remain standing. Audience, please hold your applause until I have recognized all the honored guests.
Walter's Grandmother: Mrs. Nenita DeGuzman
Walter's parents: Mr. & Mrs. Walter Schnaderbeck
Walter's sister and niece: Consuelo and Sarah Fordan
We are very happy the following people have found the time in their busy schedules to come here today to honor Walter.
(List to be provided night of ceremony.)
A round of applause for the honored guests please!
(Pause and applause.)
Thank you again for coming. You may be seated.
Now please rise for the invocation. Please remain standing for the presentation of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance.
(Invocation given)
Dave Veenstra: Color Guard, ADVANCE! (Matt Godson holding the lit spirit candle proceeds to stage with O.A. Honor Guard.)
(Dave Veenstra and Alex Thomas follow with flags.)
(Matt takes place behind table with the 3 candles.)
(O.A. lines up to left of the candle table.)
(Scout with American flag takes position by appropriate floor stand. Scout with troop flag takes position by other floor stand.)
Dave Veenstra: Scouts SALUTE!
Luke Godson: (Steps forward and leads the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.)
Dave Veenstra: Post the COLORS!
(Scouts place flags in stand and move to join the scout with the spirit candle)
Dave Veenstra: TWO! The Audience may now be seated.
(Lights are dimmed.)
Luke Godson: The single lighted candle you see before you represents our spirit toward fulfilling the duties of the Scout Oath and obeying the Scout Law.
Luke Godson: (As Matt lights the red candle.) The red of our flag is for the lifeblood of brave men ready to die or worthily live for this, our country.
Luke Godson: (As Matt lights the white candle.) The white of our flag is for purity, cleanliness of purpose, thought word, and deed.
Luke Godson: (As Matt lights the blue candle.) The blue of our flag is for faith and loyalty, like the eternal blue of the star-filled heavens.
Dave Veenstra: A scout knows that to keep his oath and law he must take care of himself. He strives to keep himself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
Our law has twelve points. They are: A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. . . . . Nice words. . . . Trouble is, we learn them so young in life we sometimes do not get the full understanding that goes with them.
A famous actor we all know, John Wayne, took care of that in his family. As each boy reached scout age john Wayne made sure the boy learned the scout laws. Then he would break it down for the boy with a few things he picked up during his lifetime.
(Luke Godson stands, faces audience and gives Scout salute.
Luke Godson: A Scout is Trustworthy. (David lights white candle)
O.A.#1: (Takes one step forward and reads) The badge of honesty. Having it lets you look any man straight in the eye. Lacking it, he won't look back. .. Keep honesty at the top of your list.
Luke Godson: A Scout is Loyal. (David lights white candle)
O.A.#1: The very word is life itself, for without loyalty we have no love of person or country.
Luke Godson: A Scout is Helpful. (David lights white candle)
O.A.#1: Part sharing, part caring. By helping each other, we help ourselves, not to mention mankind. Be always full of help .. the dying man's last word. (O.A. #1 takes a step back.)
Luke Godson: A Scout is Friendly. (David lights white candle)
O.A.#2: (Steps forward and reads) Brotherhood is part of that word. You can take it in a lot of directions---and do----but make sure and start with brotherhood.
Luke Godson: A Scout is Courteous. (David lights white candle)
O.A.#2: Allow each person his human dignity, which means a lot more than saying "Yes Ma'am" and "Thank You Sir." It reflects an attitude that later in life you will "wish you honored more" --- earlier in life. Save yourself that problem. Do it now.
Luke Godson: A Scout is Kind. (David lights white candle)
O.A.#2: This one word would stop wars and erase hatreds, but it's like your bicycle. It's no good unless you get out and use it. (O.A. #2 steps back in line.)
Luke Godson: A Scout is Obedient. (Alex lights white candle)
O.A#3: (steps forward and reads) Start at home, practice it on your family, enlarge it to your friends, share it with humanity.
Luke Godson: A Scout is Cheerful. (Alex lights white candle)
O.A.#3: Anyone can put on a happy face when the going's good. The secret is to wear a happy face as a mask for your problems . It might surprise you haw many others do the same thing.
Luke Godson: A Scout is Thrifty. (Alex lights white candle)
O.A.#3: Thrifty means a lot more than putting pennies away, and it is the opposite of cheap. Common sense covers it just about as well as anything. (O.A. #3 steps back)
Luke Godson: A Scout is Brave. (Alex lights white candle)
O.A.#4: (Steps forward and reads.) You do not have to fight to be brave. Millions of good, fine, decent folks show more bravery than heavyweight champs just by getting out of bed every morning, going out to do a good day's work, and living the best life they know how against a lot of odds. Brave . Keep this word handy every day of your life.
Luke Godson: A Scout is Clean. (Alex lights white candle)
O.A. #4: Soap and water help a lot on the outside. But it's the inside that counts .and don't you ever forget it.
Luke Godson: A Scout is Reverent. (Alex lights white candle)
O.A. #4: Believe in anything you want to believe in, but keep GOD at the top of it. With him, life can be a beautiful experience. Without him, you are biding your time. (O.A.#4 steps back.)
David Veenstra: A Scout does his best to live up to the ideals of the oath and law. The ideals are high because they are meant to be! Only by striving toward high ideal and keeping faith with them can a Scout become the man he wants to be.
Color Guard, DISMISSED!
(Color guard, Luke and Matt leave stage and sit on the right with the other troop members.)
(O.A. members leave stage and sit on the left side first row to the left of the Eagle Scouts family)
I now call on Jewell Mitchell, Assistant District Commissioner and Troop 309 Charter Representative, to officially convene this Court of Honor.
Jewell Mitchell: Thank you Mr. Veenstra. By the power vested in me by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America I declare this Court of honor to by duly convened for the sole purpose of presenting the Eagle Scout award to Walter Carl Schnaderbeck.
Honor guard, please escort before this Court of Honor Eagle Scout Candidate Walter Carl Schnaderbeck, where he will be prepared to receive the highest rank conferred by the Boy Scouts of America, that of Eagle Scout.
(Order of the Arrow Honor Guard escorts Walter to his position on the stage and then return to their seats.)
Jewell Mitchell: The awarding of the eagle scout rank is an important and serious occasion. It is the climax of a goal Walter set for himself and he has worked many years to achieve. An occasion for pride and joy. A time for serious contemplation. It is the culmination of the effort provided by numerous scouting leaders who have worked with Walter. Many of them are here tonight. Their presence symbolizes the unselfish work provided by all the Scouting leaders Walter has been associated with over the past years. As I call your name please stand up and be recognized.
Ken Fallon, Terry Gabriel, Brenda Godson, Scoutmaster Joe Godson, Jason and Georgette Hoppenbrauwer, Rick Rayl, Clair Richter, Tim and Joyce Ross, Bud Smith, Gator Smith, Al Tibbs
Please be seated. Several of our honored guests have prepared some special words for today's occasion.
Jewell Mitchell: Our first guest speaker tonight is County Commissioner Mark Cook.
Mark Cook: (Speech)
Jewell Michell: Thank you Commissioner Cook. Our second guest speaker tonight is Satellite Beach Fire Chief Daniel Roque.
Fire Chief Roque: (Speech)
Jewell Mitchell: Thank you Fire Chief Roque. I would like to personally thank both of our guest speakers for the outstanding support they have given to both our troop and the Boy Scouts. I know Walter greatly appreciated you support. (Applause.)
(Lights dimmed in the church with Gator on the side of the church dressed in Indian costume)
(Music tape #2.)
Gator Smith: This is the voice of the Eagle. Early one morning a young boy stood at a trailhead. Before him rose a mighty mountain, which seemed all the mightier when compared to his smallness.
A trail led to the mountain and then up it to incredible heights before vanishing in the clouds. On this trail the boy could see other boys and young men, some whom turned and beckoned him to follow.
The boy began the climb, refusing perhaps to believe that he could ever reach the top. At first the trail rose gently, and the boy had many companions. But soon he began to sweat and breathe heavily and many of his companions turned away. And still the boy climbed.
At times he climbed quickly. At times he climbed slowly. At times he had to go down a little way to find another path or stop a while to catch his breath. But still he climbed. The trail became steeper, the air thinner, but the climber scarcely noticed for he had, along the way, become stronger of body and hardier of spirit. And still he climbed.
And finally in the cool peace of the evening, he stood alone at the top of the world and looked around him. To the left he saw a fiery golden sunset. To the right he saw a diamond-studded, silky-black night sky.
Behind him he saw the trail he had followed and the hikers that were following in his footsteps.
And in front of him he saw another mountain. And another. And another. And a whole procession of mountains marching off to the horizon. But the young man (for now he was a man) knew that none of these other mountains were insurmountable, that all could and would be climbed. For he had learned many skills in the climbing of the first mountain, and he would carry those skills with him long after this mountain was conquered.
And besides, he could begin climbing the next mountain tomorrow. Tonight he would rest and celebrate and ponder the journey that he had completed. And so tonight, we pause to rest and celebrate the honor this fine young man, this Eagle Scout Walter Carl Schnaderbeck, as he stands at the top of the world and looks around him.
This is the voice of the Eagle.
(Music tape #2 turned off)
Jewell Mitchell: I would like to call upon Troop 309 Assistant Scoutmaster and Awards Chairman, Ken Fallon, to review the requirements that must be met to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
Ken Fallon: The Eagle Scout rank is the highest and most coveted award in Scouting. It is the last major step in the advancement program and less than 2 percent of all scouts who join scouting reach the Eagle rank. Walter, we are convinced you have achieved the character building, citizenship awareness and physical fitness goals of the Boy Scout program.
To Become an Eagle Scout, a Scout must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, including 12 which are required. He must serve actively in a troop leadership position for a period of six months after achieving the rank of Life Scout. While a Life Scout, he must plan, develop, and carry out a service project helpful to a religious institution, school, or community in a manner worthy of an Eagle scout. He must demonstrate, through the testimony of character references and otherwise, that he lives by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life. Finally, he must appear before a Board of Review.
Walter has earned a total of 32 merit badges and has served as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. He is an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow and has participated in almost all troop and Order of the Arrow activities and service projects.
Careful examination has been made by the court as to Walter's qualifications for award of the Eagle Scout rank. Proficiency in the various crafts and skills prescribed for an Eagle Scout have been checked, and his merit badge records have been certified by the counselors appointed by the court.
Walter has demonstrated his capacity and willingness to exert leadership in activities that are constructive to his troop and worthwhile to his community. The records clearly indicate his unselfish involvement in Troop leadership, school affairs, and other areas of work and service. He has demonstrated his loyalty and duty to GOD and country.
For his service project Walter chose to reinstall missing blue fire hydrant reflectors in the city of Satellite Beach, and to clean brush from around the hydrants where required. The reflector replacement would allow firefighters to readily identify fire hydrant locations, especially at night. This could result in the saving of lives and property.
Walter recruited 34 volunteers for the project. They were divided into ten teams and instructed on where and how to install the reflectors. The teams, under Walter's leadership, were able to complete the project in less than a day.
Walter later stated, "My project was easy due to the outstanding help provided by the fire and police departments and the help of all the volunteers. Everyone readily joined in to help. Papa John's Pizza, Satellite Beach Publix, and Richard's Paints readily supplied the needed supplies and refreshments for the project which were greatly appreciated by everyone."
It is my pleasure to report that after a thorough review of his qualifications, Walter Carl Schnaderbeck, has qualified for the rank of Eagle Scout and is entitle dot receive the Eagle Scout Award.
Jew Mitchell: We have heard a lot tonight about what it means to be an Eagle Scout. Becoming an Eagle Scout is not the end of the journey, it is merely the beginning. So where do you go from here? Bud Smith, one of the most respected Scouters in the area is here to tell you.
Bud Smith: CONGRATULATIONS!! You have made it. You have climbed the Eagle Mountain. I applaud your achievement.
But now it is time to look toward the future, toward those other mountains out on the horizon. How are you going to climb them? The same way you climbed the Eagle mountain. Just remember the things you learned on your way to Eagle, and you will be able to climb any mountain, to overcome any obstacle.
Do you remember when you first looked up at the Eagle mountain? How high is seemed back then. But you took that first step along the trail and began climbing. One step at a time, you followed the trail blazed by others.
Then, when that path faded away, you blazed your own trail, a trail that others are now following.
And finally, always keeps your eye on the goal, you reached the top.
You have many mountains waiting to be climbed. Some may seem insurmountable, but they can all be conquered. Just set your goal, take that first step, and follow the blazed trail until its time to blaze your own, and always keep your eye on the goal.
As you have heard today, your position is one of both honor and responsibility. No other scouting rank stays with you for life. Scouts who do not achieve what you have will say, "I was a Star." "I was First Class," or "I made it to Life." You will always be able to say, "I am an Eagle Scout." Once and Eagle, always an Eagle.
May GOD be with you as you begin to climb the next mountain.
Jewell Michell: It is now time for the highlight of our program: The presentation of the Eagle Scout award. I would like Troop 309 Scoutmaster Joe Godson to come forward and make the appropriate presentations.
Joe Godson: Many times over the last few years, you have joined your fellow Scouts in repeating the Scout Oath. Now, you will stand alone and repeat a new Oath, the Eagle Scout Promise. Though the words you say are similar to those you have said so many times, tonight they will mean more than they ever have. When you pledge yourself on your sacred honor, you will be sealing your Oath with the words that closed the Declaration of Independence.
Eagle Scout, Walter Carl Schnaderbeck, I have the distinct honor of giving you the traditional eagle Scout Charge as you aspire to Scouting's highest rank.
I would like all Eagle Scouts in the audience to stand at this time and rededicate themselves by giving the scout sign and repeating after me in unison.
I reaffirm my allegiance
To the three promises of the Scout Oath
I thoroughly recognize
And take upon myself
The obligations and responsibilities
Of an Eagle Scout.
On my honor I will do my best
To make my training an example, my rank and my influence
Count strongly for better scouting
And for better citizenship
In my troop,
In my community,
To this I pledge my sacred honor.
TWO.
Would the eagles in the audience please be seated.
Would the honor guard please escort the candidate's parents forward.
(Order of the Arrow Honor Guard escorts parents. The Honor Guard remains on the stage.)
Joe Godson assisted by Ken Fallon: Walter, your parents have undoubtedly been your primary source of help and strength.
No one will ever know the unnumbered acts of self-sacrifice from your mother. I would like you mother to pin the Eagle medal on your uniform.
(Ken Fallon assists by handing out the appropriate award)
(Mother pins Eagle medal on Walter's uniform)
In recognition of your mothers' devotion, please present her with the Eagle Mother's pin.
(Walter pins the pin on his mother)
(Walter gives his mother a hug and kiss)
Your father has been the source of much advice and guidance along the Eagle trail, so I would like him to present the Eagle neckerchief and the Eagle Scout certificate to you.
(Father places neckerchief on Walter's head and presents the certificate, shakes hand.)
(Walter gives his father a hug.)
In return, please present your father with the Eagle Tie tack.
(Walter presents the Eagle Tie tack to his father.)
(Father gives Walter a hug.)
Joe Godson: (faces Walter:) You have reached the summit of the mountain, the highest rank in scouting. You may now soar with all the other Eagles, for you are an Eagle.
Joe Godson: (faces audience:) And now, it gives me great pleasure to present to you our newest Eagle Scout, Walter Carl Schnaderbeck.
(Walter shakes hands with the Scoutmaster and faces forward)
(Standing ovation initiated by designated members of the audience.)
(Order of the Arrow Honor Guard escorts parents to seats.)
(Order of the Arrow Honor Guard waits to escort sister.)
Joe Godson: We are not through yet however. Would the honor guard please escort Walter's sister, Consuelo Fordan, to the stage.
(Honor guard escorts sister to stage and waits at the side.)
Joe Godson: Walter completed his board of review for Eagle Scout on May 11, 1998. He elected to delay his Court of Honor until his sister could attend. Many of the scouts and scout leaders know Consuelo as she provided very active support to the troop prior to graduating from college, getting married and moving to Houston, Texas.
Since his board of review for Eagle Scout Walter has remained active in the troop over 90 days and served as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. He has earned eleven merit badges in excess of those required for the rank of Eagle. Five of these merit badges qualified him for the Bronze Palm. He has passed his Board of Review and is now qualified to wear the Bronze Palm.
Consuelo, would you please pin the bronze palm on your brother's Eagle badge.
(Consuelo pins the palm on the Eagle badge.)
Walter's sister has a special presentation she made that she would like to present to him at this time.
(Consuelo gives Walter her gift with a hug and a kiss)
Consuelo, Walter wants to express his appreciation for all the support you have provided throughout his life with this special Eagle pin.
(Walter pins the Eagle pin on his sister)
(Honor guard escorts sister to her seat and takes their own seat)
Walter has received over 150 congratulatory letters. Included are letters from the President of the United States, past Presidents, Cabinet Members, Senators, Representatives, 41 State Governors, Actors and other famous and prominent persons. If you have not already seen them, they will be on display during the reception.
It would be impossible to read all the letters but I would like to read just a couple of interesting excerpts from them: (reads a couple)
Also on display in the reception hall is a flag of the United States of America. It was flown over the Capitol Building in Washington, DC, at the request of the Honorable Dave Weldon, in recognition of Walter attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
Our new Eagle Scout has a few words he would like to share with us.
Walter Schnaderbeck: (Walter makes his comments.)
Jewell Mitchell: Walter's mother would like to dedicate a song to her son. Would the Honor Guard please escort Mrs. Schnaderbeck to the stage.
(Order of the Arrow Honor Guard escorts Mrs. Schnaderbeck to the stage and waits to the side.)
(Tape #3 and Mrs. Schnaderbeck sings)
(Order of the Arrow Honor Guard escorts Mrs. Schnaderbeck to her seat and take their own seats.)
Jewell Mitchell: Tonight has indeed been a special night. Thank you all for coming and participating in this wonderful event. Let's give our new eagle scout one more round of applause.
(standing ovation initiated by designated members of the audience.)
Jewell Michell: Would Dave Veenstra please take charge of the court?
Dave Veenstra: Color Guard, ADVANCE!! Secure the candles. (As the color guard quietly moves forward, Walter solemnly extinguishes the candles, one by one, leaving only the spirit candle lit. Walter then takes the spirit candle and moves back to front middle and waits for the Color Guard scouts, David Veenstra and Alex Thomas to pass him on their way to the flagstands.
Dave Veenstra: Would everyone please stand while the colors are retired.
Scouts SALUTE!!
(Walter leaves the stage and moves down the aisle to the foyer while the color guard waits at their respective flag stand for the order to retire the colors.)
Retire the Colors!!
David Veenstra: Again, thank you for coming. Please join us at the reception in the Fellowship Hall for food and entertainment. Good Night.
Walt's homepage Created on June 30, 1999
