Tuesday Evening, May 21, 1995
his Eagle Scout rank
Jonathan Stephens is a member of Troop 338
Rochester Bureau Chief
Jonathan E. Stephens, 17, of 33 Spruce Lane, was given his Eagle Scout badge during a 50-minute commemoration that began at 2 p.m. and was attended by more than 30 people.
Jonathan has been in Troop 338 of the Boy Scouts for seven years. To achieve such an honor, the scout must move up through seven ranks and gain 12 required merit badges; then he must pass a state Board of Review, which, if it so chooses, recommends the scout to the national board for a vote.
Only 3 percent of New Hampshire boys who join the Boy Scouts achieve the honor, although less than 2 percent are awarded with their Eagle badge nationwide.
In his welcome to the audience, Scoutmaster Warren deWildt said the Boy Scouts are "one of the greatest experiences for a young man," because they help lead the way for the boy's development to a man.
deWildt presented Jonathan with the badge while Jonathan's parents, Jay and Joyce Stephens, stood at his side.
Stephens placed the badge on his son's chest, while also giving him another gift: the Eagle badge he received in 1965. As he spoke about his son, Stephens held back tears while Mrs. Stephens wiped a few away, too.
Jonathan Stephens, center, prepares to be honored as an Eagle Scout, the highest honor given to a scout, during a presentation on May 7 at St.Joseph's Church. He is flanked by his father and mother, Jay and Joy Stephens, respectively. (Democrat photo - Watson)
Several congratulatory letters were read, including letters from President Clinton and Hillary Rodman Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Sens. Bob Smith and Judd Gregg, Rep. Bill Zeliff, and the entire state senate.
Dover Mayor Renny Perry gave a presentation and sqaid an Eagle Scout must have courage to face danger and to stand up for what is right.
"He will always be prepared to put forward his best," Perry said during his speech.
The invocation and benediction was given by Rev. John Poirer.