CHINA — On June 2, Boy Scout Troop 479 honored China resident Aaron Taylor at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor held at Sacred Heart Church in Waterville. Family, friends and Scouts attended the ceremony marking the advancement of this young man to the highest rank in Boy Scouts.

Aaron joins a group of Eagle Scouts who have completed community service projects with the help of fellow Scouts and other volunteers. Each Eagle candidate must plan and supervise an Eagle service project to demonstrate his capacity and willingness to exert his leadership ability in activities that are constructive and worthwhile in his community.

Aaron’s project benefited the Brown Memorial Library in China. With his fellow Scouts and Scouters, former Erskine Academy classmates and friends, and family, Aaron painted and straightened the white picket fence in front of the library; restored the returned books box for use; erected a new flagpole; created a new flower bed; installed a new handrail and painted and relettered the library sign, according to a news release. This Eagle Service project provided many hours of service to the library

Aaron chose the Eagle Scout Ceremony that other members of Troop 479 performed for him.

The Court of Honor was called to order by Eagle Scout Connor Pillsbury. Connor introduced Father Daniels who offered the invocation. Connor then introduced Ron Emery, Advance Chairman for Troop 479, who served as moderator for the Eagle Court of Honor. Eagle Scouts Cameron Campbell and Chase Drummond escorted Aaron Taylor to the front with his parents. Scoutmaster Scott Adams presented the Eagle Scout Awards. Eagle Scout Cameron Campbell read the poem “An Eagle Scout” and Eagle Scout Chase Drummond gave the “Eagle Scout Charge” to our newest Eagle Scout.

Rep. Dave Cotta, R-China, presented legislative sentiments. Other letters of sentiments were received from President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, and well as many others.

Assistant Scoutmaster Roger Crouse asked Eagle Scout Aaron Taylor to advance his name on the board of Eagle rank. Crouse invited all Eagle Scouts to stand and introduce themselves and state the year they made Eagle Scout. Assistant Scoutmaster Matt Bodine presented the gifts from the Troop Committee, a book titled the Spirit of Adventure — Eagle Scouts and the making of America’s Future by Alvin Townley and a check from troop committee for staying in the troop until his 18th birthday.

Aaron recognized all those who helped him to reach the Eagle Rank. Aaron also thanks all the guests who took time to come to his Eagle ceremony and special thanks for all the young Scouts who came. He presented the Eagle mentor pin to Ron Emery for his workhorse effort for the Scouts.

Aaron is the son of Brian and Janine Taylor, of China, and is a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve unit in Topsham. Aaron will attend the University of Maine at Orono in the fall.

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