'Well, here I am. Seven years of hard work are about to pay off today.' That's a line I repeated to myself all the way from Newmarket to Hampton. Guess what, it DID pay off! And if I could have found a parking lot covered with snow on my way home that night in March, I would have had that "Shaggin' Wagon" doing some serious donuts! But of course I didn't find any. The plows are doing too good of a job now. Then I tried to fake out my parents when I got home. I tried slumping in and telling them I didn't make it, but there was just too much excitement built up inside me. Like all those other times, they could see right through me.

Scouting has been an important influence on me. If I look back on the countless hours I have spent on Scouting over these seven years, I wonder what I would have done during that time if I was not a scout. I would not have been a scout if it wasn't for the great leaders who devote their remaining time after full-time jobs to giving boys a secure place to grow into strong young men. I would like to take a few moments to thank the leaders of Troop 200.

Let me start with the man who started it all. Because he signed on as Scoutmaster, Troop 200 was returned to existence. Mr. Smith has been a great leader and a great friend. I must say, I was a bit intimidated at times, but that only helps us stay on our toes. Mr. Smith has taught me a lot about self-confidence. One more thing, when I joined, his beard had color!

Next is the man I probably learned the most from. I haven't really seen him much over the last few years, but earlier on he was the one that taught me most of the scouting skills. I don't know if I would have survived many camping trips without his help. While I thought early on that the legends involving Mr. Walker, including but mot limited to Bob, were true, he proved me wrong by showing his true colors with all his help and support.

Next is a man I meet before he was involved in the troop. I remember the first time I met him. I was intimidiatated because one, he was my girlfriend's father, and two because he knows a lot about computers and all I could do was nod as he started rambling off all this technical stuff. As a leader he has truly done a lot. He puts in a lot of time for the troop. He's also one of those guys who knows everything or at least how to find it quickly. There have been numerous times when I've called or e-mailed him with a request for a phone number or some other piece of information, and let me tell you, I've never seen such a quick turn-around.

Next is a man who has been a major part of fundraising for Troop 200. He plays an integral role in the booth at the annual fishing derby, one of our greatest fundraisers. Mr. Gray has also been there for support whether as committee chairman, two deep leadership, or going to camp with the troop just about every year.

Finally, but certainly not least is a man who could not be here today because he is vacationing with his family. Although I've only known Mr. Demello for a couple of years now, he was perhaps the most instrumental in the actual receiving of Eagle. It came down to the last week before my eighteenth birthday. He helped me look up a couple of dates for leadership positions and merit badges and then, on top of that, actually took the paperwork to council and hand-delivered it. I might not be standing here today is it wasn't for him.

Thanks you to all the leaders of Troop 200 for your investment of time to us developing young men.

But where would Troop 200 be without the support from organizations within the community. First is our charter organization, the Fratneral Order of the Eagles, who provides the opportunity for Troop 200 to exist through chartering, a place to hold weekly meetings, and camperships to those scouts who have difficulty paying for camp. Secondly is the American Legion 67 here in Newmarket. While they may not contribute directly to Troop 200, their contributions to scouting trickle down to us through these eagle award kits distributed to new eagle scouts by the council, among other things.

I would now like to take this oppurtunity to thank my entire family. Your love and support has been a driving motivation for me. You have been behind me in everything I do. Many of you have traveled great distances to share this special day with me. It really means a lot to see all of you here.

I would like to thank my church family. You have watched me grow up and guided me spiritually though the years nuturing a growing faith inside me.

Of course I have to thank the Almighty Father for this great life he has given me. He's guided me through tough times with his grace and love. I feel that everything I do in life in the service of the Lord. That's why this Eagle Scout award is really his. It was in his will that I receive this award and I am grateful.

Now it is time to give back to Troop 200. I would ask Scoutmaster Eric Smith and Senior Patrol Leader Sean Riley to please come forward. Eagle Scouts from Troop generally give something back to the troop with which he has grown. It is generally something that would have been helpful in one's scouting career. While there was always one of these on camping trips, it was always someone's personal one. That is why I feel the troop needs it's own lantern. (Hand Lantern to Mr. Smith) To go along with this I also have a tripod lantern stand so that the lantern can hang and provide light to the campsite (hand stand to Sean). I hereby present my gift to Troop 200 in gratitude for all the Troop has done for me on my Trail to Eagle.

Thank you and Safe Travels.

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