AUGUSTA — One hundred years ago the Red Sox played their first game at Fenway Park, LL Beans sold their first pair of Bean boots and the Boy Scouts of America awarded the first Eagle Scout rank to a deserving Scout. Boy Scout Troop 603 marked the anniversary by presenting the Eagle Scout rank to six Augusta during a ceremony held at the Veterans Memorial Post 205 in May.

Mothers pinned the highly sought after award to the uniforms of new Eagles Jacob Antworth, Joshua Antworth, Noah Aube, Benjamin Campbell, Andrew Mahaleris and Devin Williams. More than 150 people attended the ceremony including such dignitaries as First Lady Ann LePage, Sen. Roger Katz, R-Augusta, Rep. Karen Foster, R-Augusta, and Maegan Maloney, D-Augusta, and Augusta Mayor Bill Stokes. Kennebec Valley District Chairman Pete Myers represented the Boy Scouts of America.

Mrs LePage read a letter from her husband Gov. Paul LePage adding her own congratulations to the Scouts and their parents. “You should be so proud of your accomplishments,” she said. “These young men have demonstrated great discipline and determination in earning their Eagle Scout badges,” said continued. “This is no small feat, especially since only 2 percent of all Boy Scouts reach the rank of Eagle Scout. These young men should be recognized and proud of this great accomplishment,” according to the release.

Dan Petersen, local attorney and Eagle Scout, served as master of ceremonies for the event. He and former Scoutmaster Eric Lind explained the challenges Scouting requires of young men who seek the Eagle rank. The Scout must take a leadership position in the troop, earn at least 21 Merit Badges selected to give him a variety of challenges and life experiences, and complete their Eagle Scout project. This is no simple task. The Scout must plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community.

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