Eagle Court of Honor

Spencer's Eagle Court of Honor was a long time coming. We were finally able to get the schedules of family, friends, and church to coincide on January 29, 2010.

Granny and Grandpa flew in that morning and Granny got to spend some time playing "Just Dance" on the Wii with Spencer before we had to get busy with preparations.

We were all amazed at the special surprise she had made for Spencer to honor the special day. A quilt, of course!


The foyer display was ready with framed photos, programs, Eagle decor, photo book, and Eagle project book to welcome our guests. Spencer was so excited to greet everyone.


Nana and Papa ordered a beautiful cake imprinted with the Eagle pin and Spencer's name. It tasted yummy, too!


Noah, Isaac, and Calvin loved the decorations that had been
set up inside, especially the fake fire!

Jeremy did a great job as the Master of Ceremonies.

And Spencer's friends and fellow quorum members presented a fine flag ceremony to start the evening.

Spencer's Scoutmaster, Chris Strong, presented him with a nice knife to honor him as "Top Scout."

We invited the local Order of the Arrow members to do the actual Eagle presentation ceremony. It was stunning and so meaningful.

Jeremy, Brother Strong, and Brother Chapman (one of Spencer's quorum advisors) made up the Eagle's nest.

During the special ceremony, Spencer made commitments to continue to honor the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.

Chris Chatwin, Spencer's Varsity coach, made an emotional presentation.

Granny Paula was asked to bring forward the Eagle award.

Nana read a poem that made us all cry, "This Uniformed Little Boy."

It was such a special moment for me to pin on Spencer's Eagle badge. We have been through the many up's and down's of the Eagle project together and I was so proud of him for seeing it through.

Jeremy put Spencer's Eagle neckerchief around his neck.

And then we all applauded and cheered for Spencer!

Spencer gave mentor pins to Brother Strong, Brother Chatwin, and Brother Craig Nielsen for their support. They each gave so much time and hard work to the project and have been great examples and leaders for Spencer over his years of Scouting.

I received my FIRST Eagle pin on my Scouting "mother's bling" ribbon.

This is my favorite photo of the night. So sweet!

One of the coolest things the OA did for Spencer was this Eagle dance. The Eagle dropped one of its feathers during the dance and it was presented to Spencer. Neat!

This is a cute picture, too. Spencer loves his Nana and Papa.

The Eagle Feather.

Granny and Grandpa always tell the kids to "Soar High" like an eagle and not to be a turkey. They can always be seen doing the soar high salute as we drive away from visiting them.

Some of Spencer's long-time friends from school came to his court of honor. This is Sarah Jordan and LeAnne Heslop.

Spencer's awesome Scout Leaders.

Bishop Cowgur came to support Spencer, too. We teased him about his "stiff-neckedness" because he was wearing his brace after a surgery.

John, Jenna, and Amaya Garrard.

Spencer with Uncle Jared, Aunt Emily, and his cousins Calvin, Ethan, Austin, and Eliza. We were blessed to have so many of our friends and family attend the Court of Honor.

"This Uniformed Little Boy"

by Mike Wood

It seems like only yesterday, his eyes were lit with joy,

As we watched with admiration, this uniformed little boy.

Campouts, picnics, pinewood cars, the years slipped quickly by,

The colors changed from blue to green, in the twinkling of an eye.

Soon came ranks of Tenderfoot, Second, First, and Star,

Each leading him toward that final quest, once visioned from afar.

And then the rank of Life, and as life can often do,

The goal so close within his grasp, was dimming from his view.

Yet from within he found the strength to reach that final quest,

Remembering words from years gone by: I Will Do My Best.

It seems like only yesterday, his eyes were lit with joy,

As we watched with admiration, this uniformed little boy.

Now with an eagle upon his chest, he soars where once he ran,

No longer that uniformed little boy; our Son...An Eagle...A Man.