From left to right: Dustin Bell (11), Adam Kiser (12), Wade Dyson (12), Cole Bell (12). Not present Noah Eddings (12).  Photo courtesy of Lesley Garrett.

Maria Miller

Editor-in-Chief

   Five dedicated students at Lone Oak High School - Wade Dyson (12), Adam Kiser (12), Dustin Bell (11), Cole Bell (12), and Noah Eddings (12) - have achieved the high honor of becoming Eagle Scouts.  Eagle Scouts have to perform a leadership project of their choice in the community (For Adam Kiser, it was fixing up the Salvation Army Family Store.), and have to receive a certain number of badges.

    Wade Dyson’s official Eagle Scout ceremony was this month.  Though he started Scouts at a young age, Wade stayed for the promise of a lifelong experience.  “Being an Eagle Scout gives you the leadership skills to live out your dreams.”  Wade plans to attend college and join the military.

    Adam Kiser has been a Scout for 13 years.  “It’s made me who I am.”  His favorite memory was when he went on a 2 week backpacking trip to Philmont, NM.  When crossing a creek, one of the youngest scouts fell, catching his leg in a tree.  The scouts were able to dress his wounds and he finished out the trip.  “It made me realize that you can do anything once you set your mind to it and have people there to support you and help you along.”  Adam is attending Murray State University to major in Mathematics. 

     When Noah Eddings received his Eagle Scout title, he realized that the Scout experience was a gradual process.  But out of all of the skills he learned, he says that camping and whitewater rafting were his favorite.  Laughing, he said his favorite badge to receive was the Rifle badge.  Eddings will attend the West Kentucky Community and Technical College for two years then transfer and major in Forensics. 

    Cole Bell has been a Scout for at least 8 years, and officially received his Eagle Scout title in October.  His favorite badge to receive was the First Aid badge.  Cole had to complete a week long course, learning procedures such as the Heimlich maneuver and CPR.  “They were valuable skills to know for the future.”  Bell plans to attend a four-year university, and is considering law enforcement for a career.

    Dustin Bell has been a Scout with his brother, Cole, since the 6th grade.  He has one thing to say about his experience as an Eagle Scout:  “It helped me get leadership skills and lifelong hobby of outdoor activities.”  His favorite badge he received was the shotgun badge.  Dustin is planning on attending Murray State University.

    Having the Eagle Scout title means higher consideration in job interviews, automatic higher ranks, and college scholarships.  For all of these students, being an Eagle Scout has been a life changing experience: the skills learned through achieving this honor will carry through the rest of their lives.     

“Being an Eagle Scout gives you the leadership skills to live out your dreams.”