Huff achieves rank of Eagle Scout

November 25, 2009

Troop 58, Downsville, honored Austin Robert Huff with the highest award in Scouting - the Eagle Scout rank - Oct. 18 at the Downsville Ruritan Building.

The opening ceremony was conducted by the members of Troop 58. Members of the Order of the Arrow, Seth Martin, Gabe Martin, David Mellott, Kyle Zittle and Zach Campbell performed the Four Winds Ceremony.

Eagle Scouts Opie Hammond and Keith Seavolt performed the Voice of the Eagle. Scoutmaster Dave Campbell and Assistant Scoutmaster Terry Hammond presented the Eagle badge and Austin in turn presented his mother with a miniature Eagle pin and his father with an Eagle lapel pin.

Austin is the son of Darlene and Robert Huff.

State Sen. Donald F. Munson presented a state resolution. House Del. Chris Shank presented a House resolution. Jerry Cump presented the Americanism Award, along with a U.S. flag from Hagerstown Elks Lodge 378. The Elks Lodge provides the Eagle kit for every Eagle Scout in Washington County. Alan Swope and Shorty Mellot from the Downsville Ruritan presented a bolo and watch fob. Glenn Fuscsick of Hagerstown Professional Fire Fighters 1615 presented a certificate of achievement and a scholarship. Sandy Bunker presented a certificate from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Austin received many letters of congratulations.

Austin started in scouting as a Tiger Cub in 2000 with Pack 58. He earned all of the ranks and the highest award in Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light. In April 2005, he crossed the bridge into Boy Scouts joining Troop 58. He has served in the following leadership positions: patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader and quartermaster. He became a member of the Order of the Arrow with Guneukitschik Lodge 317. Austin has attended summer camp at Sinoquipe Scout Reservation, Lad and Dad weekends and served on camp staff. He has been trained as a den chief, in youth protection and in weather hazards.

Austin's Eagle project was to construct and build a pavilion for the Downsville Ruritan and the community of Downsville. Along with family and friends, more than 257 hours of service was rendered for this project.

Austin is a sophomore at Williamsport High School. He has participated in the school sports program.

The invocation and benediction were given by the Rev. Craig Jones of Downsville Christian Church.

Troop 58 is sponsored by Downsville Christian Church, Downsville.

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