Troop 324 continues a 70 year legacy of Eagle Scouts - Three new Eagles honored

Shoreline Boy Scout Troop 324 awarded three members the rank of Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor ceremony at the Calvin Presbyterian Chuch in Richmond Beach on Saturday June 10th.

Honored were Daniel Hancock, Kirk Swenson, and Mark Virkelyst. Hancock and Virkelyst live in Richmond Beach and graduated from Shorewood High School. Swenson lives in Shoreline and is a graduate of Shorecrest High School. Troop 324 Scoutmaster Fritz Stahr presided over the event which included a candle-lit ceremony that highlights the Scout Spirit, Oath and Law. Eagle Scouts from prior years, David Hancock and Joel Swenson, older brothers of the new Eagles, participated in the ceremony, as well as the current members of Troop 324. Senior Patrol Leader Gordon Nelson was the Master of Ceremonies.

Troop 324 is one of the oldest Boy Scout troops in the Seattle area. Its first Eagle Scout was Everett Ellis, who achieved that rank 70 years ago in 1936. His grandson, Aaron Reddecliffe achieved his Eagle also in Troop 324 in 1999, receiving his grandfathers Eagle pin in his ceremony. With the induction of these latest three, Troop 324 now counts 64 Eagle Scouts in its history, including 20 in the seven years since Aaron helped get the Troop back on track again.

Over 150 people were in attendance at the ceremony, including Scouts and parents of Troop 324, along with family, friends, teachers and associates. In addition to the actual Eagle ceremony, attendees also viewed an entertaining slide show highlighting the respective outings and adventures of the three new Eagle Scouts.

Perhaps the best known requirement to achieve the rank of Eagle, but only one of many, is a leadership project that improves the local community. Daniel Hancock organized a group that prepared and installed all new playground equipment at the Calvin Presbyterian Church. Kirk Swenson lead a crew and constructed a trail in Northcrest Park. Mark Virkelyst and company built and lined a trail connecting a Richmond Beach neighborhood with the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. These improvements will stand for many years to come as examples of the leadership Eagle Scouts bring to whatever community they are members of.

Troop 324 meets every Tuesday evening at 7:15 PM at the Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church located at 19421 Ashworth Ave N. in Shoreline (corner of 195th, across from Echo Lake Elementary). Boys aged 11 - 17 are encouraged to come see what Scouting is all about. For more information, please contact Troop 324 Committee Chair Sue Brangwin at 206-542-7914 or sbrangwin@excite.com.

Article printed in the Richmond Beach Community News, September 2006.