Two Vassalboro scouts achieve Eagle status

Eagle Scouts Nathan Polley and Cole Fortin stand before their friends and family and fellow members of Troop #410 and recite the Scout Oath and the Scout Law at their Eagle Scout Court of Honor held at the St. Bridget Center. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Jennifer Fortin, mother of Eagle Scout Cole Fortin, pins the Eagle Scout medal on his Scout uniform. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

“Only one in four kids in America will become a Scout,” explained former Troop #410 Scoutmaster Kevin Reed. “but it is interesting to know that of the leaders of this nation in business, religion and politics, three out or four were Scouts.” Of those who were Scouts, only one in four on average will challenge themselves enough to earn the Eagle Scout rank. On Sunday, June 2, those averages were changed as two Scouts from Vassalboro. Nathan Benjamin Polley and Cole Gregory Fortin, were presented with the Eagle Scout rank.The two joined Cub Scouts together in first grade and have remained best friends throughout their Scouting experience. It was only fitting that they should be presented the Eagle Scout rank together. In the Fall, Cole will be attending Husson University and Nathan was accepted to the University of Maine’s Environmental Engineering program.

Reed continued, “Just consider a few of those who’ve achieved Scouting’s highest rank over the years. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and James Lovell; President Gerald Ford; New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Aviator Steve Fossett, CIA Director Robert Gates, Hotel magnate J.W. Marriott, Film director Stephen Spielberg, and Walmart founder Sam Walton. We know what these men accomplished after becoming Eagle Scouts. Today we honor Nathan and Cole, two Scouts in a hundred. We know the things they have done in the past, imagine what they will do in the future.”

Eagle Scout Nathan Polley hugs his mother Hillary Polley after presenting her with the Eagle Scout Mother’s Pin. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Nathan is the son of Stephen and Hillary Polley, of Vassalboro. Cole is the son of Gregory and Jennifer Fortin. For his Eagle Scout project, Nathan put up story book signs at the Vassalboro Community School trails and Cole led the construction of a new sign at Eagle Park.

“Becoming an Eagle Scout is a great accomplishment; being an Eagle Scout is a great responsibility. As an Eagle, the Scout Oath and Scout Law should take on new meaning for you; the motto and slogan take on new urgency,” said Greg Fortin who is also an Eagle Scout. He administered the Eagle Charge to his son and Nathan: “As an Eagle, your first obligation is to live with honor. You are a marked man, a leader; for good or ill, people will follow the example you set. Give up anything before you give up your reputation and good name. As Shakespeare said, “Mine honour is my life; both grow in one. Take honour from me, and my life is done.”” He added, “Let the practice of the daily good turn lead to a lifetime of service, for only in giving of yourself do you give anything of value.”

During the ceremony, Cole said, “I am prepared to lead others, to accomplish set tasks, to the best of my ability.” And Nathan said, “I am prepared to stand for the virtues of freedom, strength and pride.”

Scout Oath. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)