Troop 404 Inducts 46th Eagle Scout

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Pampa Boy Scout Troop 404 inducted their 46th Eagle Scout. Tristan Valusek received the honor of becoming the most recent Eagle Scout to earn double eagle palms in the Troop’s 95 year history.

Scout Master, Chris “Hawkeye” Wagner, began the ceremony explaining the meaning behind earning the Eagle Scout rank.

“This is a day that will follow Tristan for the rest of his life,” Wagner said. “He can put this on his college applications and his job resumes.”

Soon after, Curt Farmer, Masonic Lodge member and an Eagle Scout himself, gave Tristan the Eagle Scout Challenge. The Masonic Lodge of Texas and its masons share the same values as Boy Scouts of America. As such, Farmer proudly presented Valusek a Masonic Lodge letter signed by the Grand Master Masons in Waco.

“We act with integrity, we are honest, trustworthy and loyal. I’m proud to be an Eagle Scout and I’m proud to be a Mason,” Farmer said.

Once Farmer concluded his speech, Troop Chair/Advancement Chair Stephanie Wagner presented Valusek with his final merit badges that are needed to be acquired before he could obtain his eagle scout rank. Though a scout must earn 22 merit badges, Valusek went above and beyond to earn 31 merit badges. This achievement meant that Valusek earned his bronze and gold eagle palms which symbolize continued leadership and skill developments.

Valusek then honored his parents with badges and thanked them for their encouragement.

“Thank you for always pushing me to do better,” Valusek said.

It was at this point in the ceremony that Valusek received his eagle scout ribbon, eagle certificate, and an American flag that was flown over the Texas State Capital. His neckerchief was then changed to the official eagle scout neckerchief.

One special section in the Eagle Scout Ceremony is the honoring of mentors. Typically, three mentors are given pins by the honored eagle scout. In this case, Valusek had the wonderful opportunity to honor four mentors: Chris Wagner, Stephanie Wagner, Ty Payne, and Taylor Swires. Valusek thanked each one individually for their influence and guidance in his life.

Wagner closed out the ceremony by bestowing the eagle scout rank to Valusek.

“Always take pride in what you do and what you’ve done. We look forward to see what leadership skills you develop in the future,” Wagner said.