Meteorologist Lelan Statom, (left) Eagle Mentor Chair for the MTC/BSA Eagle Scout Reception with Rodernbach
Ephraim Alexander Rodenbach was one of 135 middle Tennessee 2021 Eagle Scouts honored Sunday, April 24th 2022 in Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena at the annual Eagle Scout Reception sponsored by various corporations and organized by the Middle Tennessee Council of Boy Scouts of America. In addition to parents, Stacey and Tracey Rodenbach, approximately 350 people were in attendance for the prestigious event where Ephraim received an Eagle Scout neckerchief and Eagle coin.
Ephraim earned his Eagle Scout rank on January 19, 2021 and was awarded his Eagle medal on May 16, 2021 at his Eagle Court of Honor held at the Pleasant Shade Community Center. His Eagle Scout Community Service Project benefited Charles E. Price American Legion Post 57. He created and built a portable, propane-fueled flag retirement pit and built and decorated a solid cherry ceremonial box to serve as a storage container for flags awaiting retirement. Recently, he spoke about his project at the Smith County Friends of Scouting annual breakfast attended by business people in the area.
An eager learner, as evidenced by his earning 69 merit badges, Ephraim has run out of room on the front of his sash and must now attach them to the back! He hopes to earn at least 31 more to break one hundred before he turns eighteen. For each five merit badges earned above the 21 required for Eagle, an Eagle Palm is awarded, and Ephraim has eight already. In addition, he was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s Honor Society, where he is a Brotherhood member in the Wa-Hi-Nasa Lodge, Vice Chief of the Kithane Chapter, Slack Chairman (collaborative software for groups), and received the Unsung Arrowman award in 2021 (given to the Arrowman who has yet to hold a position in the Lodge, but his effort and hard work were noticed). He will be a delegate to the National Order of the Arrow conference at UT Knoxville in late July.
Before he enters his junior year at Smith County High School in the fall, Ephraim will make a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico and will also work as staff at summer camp at Boxwell Reservation. In late September, he will serve at Boxwell as a part of the youth staff for Wood Badge, an advanced national leadership training program for adult Scout leaders.
Kudos to fifteen-year-old Ephraim Rodenbach who is preparing himself for life as he gains knowledge and skills through the Scouting opportunities in Troop 367, Scouts BSA. Those same opportunities await your young man if he lives in or near Smith County and is between the ages of 11 and 17. Call soon if you would like to go to summer camp. Scoutmaster, Josh Pedigo: 615-633-2080. Meetings two Sundays (generally first and third) per month from 4PM – 5:30 PM at the Carthage United Methodist Church. Visitors welcome! (submitted by Vivian L. Reynolds, BSA Scout leader)
