EAGLE SCOUTS URGED TO HELP SHAPE FUTURE

Eagle Scouts from Southeast Missouri were encouraged Saturday to use leadership skills they have developed in Boy Scouting to help others and to help shape the future.

State Rep. Mark Richardson of Poplar Bluff, sponsor of the 1993 class of Eagles, reminded the class that one of the most important things necessary for attaining Scouting's highest honor was to show strong leadership skills.

"The desire to lead sets you apart," said Richardson, himself an Eagle Scout and scoutmaster of Troop 166 in Poplar Bluff. "This day is not a crossroads in your life where you have to decide whether to be a leader or a follower."

By attaining the rank of Eagle, Richardson said that the Scouts had already charted a course of leadership. "Whether you like it or not, you are destined to influence things around you -- to set the agenda, to shape the future."

In all, 52 boys from Southeast Missouri attained the rank of Eagle in 1993, and were honored at a formal Court of Honor at Southeast Missouri State University. The Scouts represented 29 different troops from 21 communities.

Richardson said that while many famous people got their start by attaining the rank of Eagle, few Eagles actually become famous like former President Gerald Ford, Astronaut and U.S. Sen. John Glenn, and movie producer Steven Spielberg.

Richardson said the desire to lead, help other people, and practice values of Scouting give Eagle Scouts an opportunity to "quietly go about our lives, collectively working to shape the future."

"You don't have to be famous to be a hero," he said.

To attain the rank of Eagle, Scouts must earn 21 merit badges, including 11 that are specifically required, hold leadership positions in their troop and complete service projects, and complete a major service project where they supervise other Scouts. Before receiving the badge, Scouts undergo boards of review at the unit and council levels.

Less than 2 percent of all boys in the Scouting program attain the rank of Eagle.

Eagle Scouts from this area include: Sean Adams, Joseph Baker, Michael Cracraft, Craig Hutson, Carey Margrabe, and Justin Prince, all of Troop 311 in Jackson; Doug Cook and Ben LeGrand, both of Troop 16 in Cape Girardeau; Eric Vogt and Greg Blattner, both of Troop 21 in Cape Girardeau; Barry Graham, Troop 29 in Scott City; Matthew Wilson, Troop 5 in Cape Girardeau; Carson Majors, Troop 10 in Cape Girardeau; and David Clements Jr. and Brent Lindsley, both of Troop 155 in Perryville.