Samuel Boynton earns Eagle Scout status

Sam Boynton, left, smiles as his mother, Jennifer Boynton, pins the Eagle Scout medal on his chest. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Samuel K. Boynton, a senior at Erskine Academy, in South China, was presented with the highest award in Scouting during a ceremony Sunday, February 5 at the China Baptist Church with family, friends and fellow Troop #479 Scouts on hand for the presentation.

Troop #479 Scoutmaster Christian Hunter said during the ceremony, “The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then, the mountain climbing begins. The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. The first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and, finally, Eagle Scout.” Sam’s climb to Eagle began when he joined Cub Scouting in 2011. By September of 2016, he had joined Scout Troop #479. He completed all requirements for Eagle Scout rank on September 19, 2022, when he passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review – exactly six years after earning his Scout rank.

Hunter, who is an Eagle Scout himself, said, “The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. To an Eagle Scout, honor is the foundation of all character.” Later he added, “Eagle Scout is not a patch, an award or certificate to hang on the wall. It is a way to live your life.” Samuel Boynton pledged to, “always obey the Scout law and help other people.” He promised those in attendance that he would work to “make my country and my community a better place.”

Boynton’s Eagle Scout project saw improvements to the Monument Trail, at Thurston Park. Sean’s parents were participants in the ceremony. Jennifer Boynton, Sam’s mom, pinned the Eagle Scout medal on her son’s uniform and Sean Boynton, Sam’s dad, replaced his troop neckerchief with one only worn by Eagle Scouts. Sam also received a Bronze Eagle Palm for earning five merit badges beyond the 21 required for Eagle Scout. Sam then presented his parents with Eagle Scout pins in recognition of the assistance and guidance they had given him through his Scouting career.

Samuel Boynton received a Legislative Sentiment from State Representative Katrin Smith, of Palermo, who attended the ceremony. He also received praise from members of the Congressional Delegation. U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree wrote in her congratulatory note, “Your hard work truly exemplifies the Eagle Scout spirit.” U.S. Senator Angus King stated in his letter, “You have set an excellent example for the members of Troop #479, and I hope your fellow Scouts will follow in your footsteps.”