1. Welcoming Comments
(Master of Ceremonies)
MC: Good afternoon. I’m Howard Hirsch and I’m pleased to serve as today’s master of
ceremonies, as we honor Jeff Kopelson for attaining Scouting’s highest rank, the Eagle
Scout award. This moment is truly worthy of celebration, and for Jeff’s fellow scouts, it
is a time of encouragement and motivation for each of them to strive for this goal.
To become an Eagle Scout a boy must have demonstrated exceptional leadership and put
in years of hard work and commitment to the Scouting program. Jeff has shown steadfast
conviction to these scouting principles. He has not been alone in his flight to Eagle. He
would not be here today if not for the encouragement from his parents and the guidance
of his scoutmasters, troop leaders, and the support of his fellow scouts.
2. Presentation of the Colors
(MC and the Senior Patrol Leader)
MC: Will our Senior Patrol Leader please join me at the front to lead the presentation of
the colors.
SPL: Opening Flag Ceremony:
Colorguard, Attention!
Will the audience please rise!
Colorguard, advance!
Scout salute!
(wait for colorguard to reach the front)
Please repeat the Pledge of Allegiance with me.
(Repeat pledge)
Colorguard, post the colors!
Colorguard, dismissed.
The audience may be seated.
MC: We are pleased you all could be here this afternoon. At the heart of the scouting
program is a Scouts duty to God, Country and Family. The Scout Oath reminds us of our
promise to fulfill our obligation to each. The scout law establishes the principles of
scouting and serves as a Scouts guide to good citizenship and character. SPL, please lead
the troop in the Scout Oath and Law.
SPL: Lead Oath:
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the
scout law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong; mentally
awake and morally straight.
SPL: Lead Law:
A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty,
brave, clean and reverent.
MC: Senior Patrol Leader; you may be seated:
1
3. A Poem
(Garry Grzelak and MC)
MC: Will Mr. Garry Grzelak come up to the podium and read a poem by Theodore
Roosevelt.
Jeff; It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man
stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the
man who is actually in the arena: whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood:
who strives valiantly: who errs and comes short again an again: who knows great
emotions, the great devotions, and spends himself in worthy cause: who, at best, knows
in the end the triumph of high achievements: and who, at the worst if he fails, at least
fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls
who know neither victory nor defeat. – Theodore Roosevelt
Garry sits down.
4. Stages of Scouting
(MC and Advancement/ Committee Chairman)
MC: We will now have Steve Brew, our committee chairman come to the podium to
introduce the stages of scouting.
AC: Indeed, we are here to honor Eagle Scout Jeff Kopelson. But this is not the first
time he has been recognized before a court of honor. Six times before he has stood here;
first when he received his Scout badge, followed by five additional times when he moved
ahead in rank. With each advancement he has become a little taller, a little stronger and a
little more dedicated to the ideals of scouting. Let’s take a moment to reflect Jeff’s steps
on his way to Eagle.
AC: Will the six presenters of the stages of scouting come forward and face the room.
Tenderfoot:
First you were only a scouting candidate. Scouting built you physically, mentally and
morally. Your fellow scouts called you a tenderfoot.
Second Class:
But not for long, for soon you reached the first ledge and there you wee greeted by a
group of second class scouts. You began to study more, work harder and before you
knew it you climbed the ledge.
First Class:
You could have remained here to live in First class glory, but your ambition stirred you
on. We remember your progress when you became a star scout.
Star:
Now the trail was steeper. You looked back and saw the crowds below you. You looked
up and saw the few about you. With the same determination you continued your trail.
2
Life:
Soon it was the badge Life Scout. You rested but were determined to carry on. The trail
became tougher, but more interesting. The original, simple principles, the Scout Oath
and Law, now had fuller meaning. Your understanding of them was greater.
Eagle:
We have watched your character unfold, your leadership ability expand, your mind
develop and your wisdom increase. Now that you have reached your goal, we welcome
you.
AC: Howard Hirsch will now speak about the requirements for Eagle.
5. The Requirements of Eagle
(Master of Ceremonies)
MC: The requirements for the Eagle are as follows:
a) Earn 21 merit badges including 12 which are Eagle required
b) Serve actively in a troop position for a period of 6 months after becoming a Life
Scout.
c) Plan, develop and carry out a service project worthy of an Eagle Scout.
d) Appear before a board of review of prominent persons and satisfy them that you
have done your best to live up to the Scout Oath and Law and in all ways qualify
for the Eagle Scout award.
MC: Careful examination has been made by the court as to the qualifications of Jeffrey
Kopelson for the Eagle Scout award.
MC: Proficiency in the various crafts and skills prescribed for Eagle rank has been
checked and records of merit badges earned by the scout have been approved and
certified by the counselors appointed by the court. This scout has qualified on the basis
of merit badge achievement.
MC: Jeffrey Kopelson has demonstrated his capacity and willingness to exert leadership
in activities that are constructive and worthwhile in this community. The record has been
checked in troop leadership, school affairs and in other fields of work and service. They
have demonstrated loyalty and duty to God and country. We believe him qualified to
receive the rank of Eagle Scout.
6. Eagle Charge (candle lighting)
MC: By becoming an Eagle Scout you gain more than a pretty medal to hang from your
uniform. You also acquire some important responsibilities. (I’d like to ask these
individuals that Jeffrey has chosen to outline these responsibilities for us.)
MC: (up to 5 Eagles) Will 1. Jon S. 2. David M.
3. Tom W. 4.___________________ 5.___________________
please come up to take part in the Eagle Charge.
MC: Please light the first candle. (you need a 4th candle used to light the others)
3
(Note: A 4th Candle is now lit to be used to light the others.)
1: The foremost responsibility of an Eagle is to live with Honor. To an Eagle Scout,
honor is the foundation of all character. He knows that “A scout is Trustworthy” is the
first part of the Scout Law for a good reason. An Eagle Scout lives honorably, not only
because honor is important to him, but because of the vital significance of the example he
sets for other scouts. Living honorably reflects credit on his home, his place of worship,
this troop and his community. May the white color of the Eagle badge remind you
always to live with honor.
Jeffrey, Do you accept this challenge to live your life with honor?
Jeffrey: Yes I do
Please light the white candle.
2: The second obligation of an Eagle Scout is Loyalty. A scout is true to his family, scout
leaders, friends, school and nation. His loyalty to his troop and brother scouts makes him
pitch in and carry his share of the load. All of these help to build the loyalty which
means devotion to community, to country, to ones own ideals and to God. Let the blue of
the Eagle badge always inspire your loyalty.
Jeffrey, do you accept the challenge to be loyal?
Jeffrey: Yes I do
Please light the blue candle.
3: The third obligation of an Eagle Scout is to be courageous. Courage has always been a
quality by which men measure themselves and others. To a Scout, bravery means not
only the courage to face physical danger, but the determination to stand up for the right.
Trusting in God, with faith in his fellow man, he looks forward to each day, seeking his
share of the world’s work to do. Let the red of the Eagle badge remind you of always of
courage.
Jeffrey, do you accept the challenge to be courageous?
Jeffrey: Yes I do
Please light the red candle.
4: The fourth obligation of an Eagle Scout is to serve others, for a leader is above all, a
servant. An Eagle Scout upholds the rights of others while defending his own. He will
always “Be prepared” to put forth his best efforts for himself and others. Just as it always
has, let the scroll on your badge remind you of service.
Jeffrey, do you accept this obligation of service to others?
Jeffrey: Yes I do
5: Your final obligation as an Eagle Scout is to have a vision. As a leader you must now
blaze your own trail. The bald eagle soaring high above the ground can see far into the
distance, just as you may look far into the future. Many people will follow you; only
4
with a clear vision will you lead them in the right direction. Let the silver eagle which
hangs from your badge remind you of vision.
These, then, are your obligations as an Eagle Scout; honor, loyalty, courage, service and
vision. Through use of these qualities, you can lead your troop, your community, your
nation toward a better tomorrow.
Jeffrey, are you prepared to live this Eagle challenge?
Jeffrey: Yes I am.
Blow out the candle you are holding.
6. Eagle Oath
(MC)
MC: Jeffrey, when we began our program today, you joined your fellow Scouts in
repeating the Scout Oath. Now, you will stand alone and repeat a new oath, the Eagle
Scout Promise. Though the words you say are similar to those you have said so many
times before, today they will mean more to you than they ever have. When you pledge
yourself on your sacred honor, you will be sealing your oath with the words that closed
the Declaration of Independence. Please make the scout sign and repeat after me:
I reaffirm my allegiance
To the three promises of the Scout Oath
I thoughtfully recognize
And take upon myself
The obligations and responsibilities
Of an Eagle Scout
On my honor I will do my best
To make my training and example
My rank and my influence
Count strongly for better scouting
And for better citizenship
In my troop
In my community
And in my contacts with other people
To this I pledge my sacred honor
Congratulations, Jeff, you deserve much credit for having achieved scouting’s highest
honor. But wear your award with humility, ever mindful that the Eagle Scout is looked
up to as an example. May the Scout Oath and Scout Law forever be your guides.
8. Presentation of Eagle Badge
(Master of Ceremonies)
MC: Would Jeff’s parents please come forward to join for the presentation of the award.
Jeffrey Kopelson, by the authority vested in me by the Boy Scouts of America and the
recommendation of your review board, I am pleased to present you with your Eagle
5
award and declare you an Eagle Scout. I’d like your mother to pin the Eagle medal on
your uniform.
No one can know the self sacrifice, devotion, and love your mother gave in support of
your accomplishment. In recognition of her tireless work on your behalf, please present
her with this mother’s Eagle pin.
Your father also stood by you, giving encouragement, assistance and sharing knowledge.
I’d like him to present you with the Eagle Scout certificate.
In Return, as a symbol of what he has contributed, please present your father with this
Eagle pin.
And now, it is my great pleasure to present to our troop and guests, our newest Eagle
Scout, Jeffrey Kopelson.
9. Scouts Statement
(Eagle Scout gives Speech)
10. Letters of Recognition and Presentation of Flag
(Advancement/ Committee Chairman)
AC: As is the tradition of boys who reach Eagle rank, Jeff has received a number of
congratulatory letters, which we have collected for him in a binder. I will now read a few
excerpts from some of these letters.
AC: Jeff it is our pleasure to present you with these letters of congratulations. (Present
binder).
10. Closing
MC: Today has indeed been a special day. Thank you all for coming to participate in
this wonderful event. Please join me in giving our new Eagle one more round of
applause.
MC: Will the Senior Patrol Leader please come foreword and retire the colors.
SPL: Closing Flag Ceremony
Colorguard advance.
Will the audience please rise!
Colorguard, retire the colors.
Audience salute.
(wait until flags leave the area)
Dismissed.
MC: Please join us for refreshments in founders’ hall. The ceremony is now completed.
6
SPL Script Sheet:
SPL: Opening Flag Ceremony:
Colorguard, Attention!
Will the audience please rise!
Colorguard, advance!
Scout salute!
(wait for colorguard to reach the front)
Please repeat the Pledge of Allegiance with me.
(Repeat pledge)
Colorguard, post the colors!
Colorguard, dismissed.
The audience may be seated.
SPL: Lead Oath:
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the
scout law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong; mentally
awake and morally straight.
SPL: Lead Law:
A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty,
brave, clean and reverent.
SPL: Closing Flag Ceremony
Colorguard advance.
Will the audience please rise!
Colorguard, retire the colors.
Audience salute.
(wait until flags leave the area)
Dismissed.
7
Setup Notes:
The lights for the chapel are behind the entrance door on the right as you enter.
The small podium and 6 chairs for the stage are from founder’s hall.
The table for the candles is a wooden table found in the chapel.
The troop flags, flag bases (stands) and the candles are in the troop closet in the
basement.
The advancement chairman has the table cloth and the 6 cards for the stages of scouting.
8