Ben Benner earns rank of Eagle Scout

May 11, 2010

Troop 05 in Hagerstown honored Benjamin Lee Benner with the highest award in Scouting - the Eagle Scout on March 20 at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Hagerstown.

The members of Troop 05 conducted the opening ceremony and Eagle Scout Bobby Bechtel served as the master of ceremonies.

Past Scoutmaster Bob Holsinger performed the Scout Law candle ceremony with the assistance of Boy Scouts from Troop 05. Committee member Danette Baker read the Legend of Eagle Mountain and committee member Trish Holsinger gave the history of Ben's accomplishments.

Eagle Scout Carl Spessard IV administered the Eagle Charge and Eagle Scout Chris Baker administered the Eagle Challenge.

Past Scoutmaster Bob Holsinger presented the Eagle badge and Ben presented his mother with a miniature Eagle pin and his father with an Eagle lapel pin.

Ben is the son of Mark and Theresa Benner.

Maryland State Sen. Donald F. Munson presented a state resolution, House resolution and the governor's citation. 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.

Washington County District Executive Scott Paddack presented the Eagle Certificate. Richard Gilbert, from Hagerstown Professional Firefighters, presented a certificate of merit and scholarship. Scoutmaster Chris Crespo presented a U.S. flag, which flew over the Capitol building provided by U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett and a congressional recognition. Ben received many other letters of congratulations.

Ben started in scouting as a Tiger Cub with Pack 64 in Maugansville.

He earned all of the ranks, including the Arrow of Light, the highest Cub Scout award.

In March 2002, he crossed the bridge into Boy Scouts with Troop 05.

He has earned 32 merit badges.

Ben has attended summer camp at Sinoquipe Scout Reservation for seven years, attended Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Annapolis Naval Academy Camp for three years and has attended many troop activities. He is also a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow with Guneukitschik Lodge 317.

Ben's Eagle project was to renovate the choir loft at Saint Mary's Church. This project allowed for the expansion of additional floor space and the building of a stable platform for the pipe organ.

Ben graduated from South Hagerstown High School and is attending Hagerstown Community College.

The Rev. James Nirrapel gave the invocation.

Troop 05 is sponsored by Hagerstown Presbyterian Church.

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