Alex Matthew Grove earns Eagle Scout rank

April 24, 2008

Troop 8, Hagerstown honored Alex Matthew Grove with the highest award in Scouting - the Eagle Scout on March 15 at St. Mary Catholic Church.

The opening ceremony was conducted by the members of Troop 8 and Scoutmaster Dan McQuaid served as master of ceremonies. Committee Chairman Steve Oder gave the "History of the Eagle and Man" ceremony and read the "Voice of the Eagle".

Former Scoutmaster Fred Hayes presented the Eagle badge and Alex in turn presented his mother with a miniature Eagle pin and his father with an Eagle lapel pin. Alex is the son of Doug and Mary Grove.

Eagle Scout Doug Grove, Alex's brother, administered the Eagle Charge..

State Sen. Donald F. Munson and uncle to Alex, presented a State Resolution and House Resolution. Don Donat from Hagerstown Elks Lodge 378 presented the Americanism Award, along with a U.S. flag. The Elks Lodge provides the Eagle kit for every Eagle Scout in Washington County. U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett presented a Congressional Recognition along with a U.S. flag, which flew over the Capitol building. Troop 8 presented the Eagle Certificate plaque.

Alex started in scouting as a Tiger Cub in 1994 with Pack 8 chartered by St. Ann Catholic Church. He earned all of the ranks, including the highest award in Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light and in 1998, he crossed the bridge into Boy Scouts joining Troop 8.

He has served in the following leadership positions: Troop Scribe, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. He has earned 26 merit badges. Alex has attended summer camp at Sinoquipe Scout Reservation and has backpacked at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

Alex's Eagle project was to refurbish the front vestibule of St. Mary Catholic Church, including painting the walls in the vestibule, cleaning the woodwork and windows and building and installing new literature ranks and food donation boxes.

Alex graduated from St. Maria Goretti High School and now attends Hagerstown Community College. He plans to major in statistics.

Troop 8 is sponsored by St. Ann Catholic Church, Hagerstown.

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