Aaron Webster of Troop 95 achieves Eagle Scout rank

Boy Scout Troop 95 announced that Aaron Stephen Webster has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts of America.

Webster, the troop’s 89th Eagle Scout, was honored in a July 10 ceremony at Delmarva Christian High School, also the location for his leadership project. Webster planned, designed and oversaw construction of an outdoor classroom which included 14 benches and a teacher’s pulpit shaded by a 12-by-12-foot triangular sail-style awning. The project included covering the 1,500-square-foot area with mulch and placing a large boulder engraved with a favorite scripture.

Webster joined Troop 95 in March 2014 from Cub Scout Pack 95. He attended every troop meeting and campout, and was always eager to help with any service project. He earned the rank of Scout and advanced from Tenderfoot to 2nd Class to 1st Class by April 2015. Earning the rank of Star in May 2016 meant he was getting closer to Eagle rank, and he starting thinking about his project. Upon earning Life rank in March 2017, he knew what he wanted to do for his school.

His project was approved in April 2020, and he began planning and scheduling his workdays. Webster found the challenges of leadership demanding since he had to adjust schedules to accommodate workers, weather, COVID safety issues and more. He learned the importance of planning and communication, and completed his project in April 2021.

Webster earned a total of 29 merit badges, including the 14 required for Eagle rank. His leadership positions included patrol leader, troop scribe, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader and junior assistant scoutmaster. Attending summer camp at Camp Horseshoe, he earned the BSA Mile Swim Award several times, along with 100 Percent Patrol and the prestigious Silver Buckle Award.

Webster’s leadership in the troop and at school, his church and community as well as for his Eagle Project has always been well received.

At his Eagle ceremony, Pastor Andy Stevens opened with an invocation, followed by two guest speakers – Shannon Matthews, director of music at Delmarva Christian, and Webster’s sister Courtney Tull. Both offered guests their perspective on his character, integrity and heart. The Eagle Challenge was presented by Nathanial Abbott, Troop 95 Eagle Scout Class of 2020, and the Eagle Oath was presented by Avery Withers, Troop 95 Eagle Scout Class of 2012.

His mother pinned the Eagle badge over his heart and his father wrapped the Eagle neckerchief around his neck. Webster then presented his mother the traditional mother’s pin and his father the traditional tie tack. He presented the traditional dozen red roses to his mother and a single yellow rose to his sister Courtney. Several proclamations were presented to Webster, and then the guests were eager and pleased to hear his Eagle reflections.

Webster’s speech touched on Leave No Trace, something everyone learns in scouting, typically referring to camping. This time Webster put a new twist on it and encouraged Scouts, leaders and other guests to leave a trace of themselves somewhere along the way. He referenced many memories from throughout his scouting career which have left a trace on his heart and in his mind. He also recognized Kevin Oldland, former Troop 95 scoutmaster, who passed away in 2015, and shared the impact Oldland left on him. With this recognition, he presented Kevin’s widow Karen with the mentor pin. He also presented Louise Rathfon, committee chair, with a beautiful bracelet representing a square knot and referred to all the Eagle Scout names on the banners and the thread that runs through all of them tying them together.

Stevens gave the final benediction and blessed the food. A reception followed filled with fellowship, great food, showing off this project and many walks down memory lane among all the Scouts and leaders.