Youth receives Eagle Award
By NewsPress Now
Walker DuFrain, of St. Joseph, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. DuFrain is a member of Troop 138 and Troop 45 in St. Joseph, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint (2nd Ward) and Ashland United Methodist Church. Scoutmasters were Garry Dunster and Shadow Evans.
Eagle is the highest and most coveted award in all of Scouting, and it is the last major step in the advancement program for a Scout. It is at this point Scouting has achieved its purpose in the building of character, in the training for leadership and in the practice of service — not only helping those who follow them up the Scouting trail, but service and leadership in their community as well.
Before a Scout becomes an Eagle Scout, they must plan, develop and give leadership to others in a service project for a religious institution, school or community.
DuFrain’s Eagle project was collecting federal, state and military flags. After collecting close to 200 flags, he then taught younger Scouts, members of his church group and the community about flag etiquette, including proper folding, and demonstrated how to retire a U.S. flag by holding a retirement ceremony. He then had volunteers assist in folding the flags and boxing them up. Afterwards, he presented the boxes of flags to Billy Kretzer, representing American Legion Post 287, Savannah, Missouri, for retirement. As a demonstration of leadership, DuFrain planned the work, organized the personnel needed and then directed the project to its completion.
DuFrain is the son of Joe and Alexandra (Alex) DuFrain. He is a senior at Central High School and plans to graduate in May 2024. His future plans include going on a Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, then attend college to major in film and animation. In getting his Eagle rank, he is following proudly after his two older brothers and brother-in-law, all of whom are Eagle Scouts, as well as assisting his younger brother as he travels the Scouting trail towards receiving the Eagle rank.
