By Karen Haave
It’s official. BJ Olson is an Eagle Scout.
Eleven years after he joined scouting as a Cub, he accepted the neckerchief only elite scouts are allowed to wear during his Court of Honor at the Peotone American Legion.
The event was a time for congratulations and accolades from his scout leaders, past and present.
“Today we have the honor and pleasure of recognizing Byron for his achievement in attaining the rank of Eagle Scout,” said Buck Olson, the new Eagle’s father.
“This is a very serious and very cool matter. In full awareness of the challenge of these times, the parents and leaders of this Eagle Scout have labored long and faithfully to develop Byron to be alert and to participate in citizenship through the scouting program. Their efforts culminate today in the presentation of the Eagle Scout badge.
“The success of these efforts will become evident in the way Byron will go forth and positively affect all the lives he may touch,” he said.
Troop 49 Scoutmaster David Konopko administered the Eagle Scout Oath and presented the silver dollar traditionally given to each of the troop’s Eagle Scouts.
The coin is from the Eisenhower series, depicting an eagle landing on the moon.
“The eagle is symbolic of the Apollo astronauts, and hopefully, of you,” Konopko said. “It is a proud eagle, wings spread wide, talons extended, and his beak open as if to proclaim his success to the whole world. He is proud of that great achievement, as you are proud of your achieving the eagle rank, and we are proud of you.
“You are today an Eagle Scout, a winner, one of the select few. Never forget it, and all that this dollar represents.”
Dan Potempa administered the Eagle Scout Challenge.
“The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor…honor is the foundation of all character,” he said.
“The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor…honor is the foundation of all character,” he said.
“The second obligation of an Eagle Scout is loyalty.
“The third obligation is to be courageous.
“The fourth obligation is to be cheerful.
“The final responsibility is service. The Eagle Scout extends a helping hand to those who still toil up scouting’s trail, just as others helped him in his climb to the Eagle. The performance of the daily Good Turn takes on new meaning when he enters a more adult life of service to others.
“You deserve much credit for having achieved scouting’s highest award,” Potempa said.
“But wear your award with humility, ever mindful that the Eagle Scout is looked up to as an example.”
Also during the ceremony, Stan Potempa gave the Eagle Charge.
“You are a marked man,” he said. “As an Eagle Scout you have assumed a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to country, to your fellow scouts, and to mankind in general. Be a leader, but lead only towards the best. Lift up every task you do to the high level of service to God and to your fellow man. I charge you to be among those who dedicate their skills and ability to the common good. Build America on the solid foundation of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship, and reverence for God and country.
“We welcome you into the brotherhood of Eagle Scouts, and congratulate you, your family and your scout leaders.”
Also speaking during the ceremony was Rachel Klootwyk, who has known BJ since he was about six years old and whose son Joshua is also an Eagle candidate and close friend.
“Being BJ’s Den leader when he first started his scouting adventure and then eventually his Cubmaster. I had the privilege of watching his scouting career and seeing him grow into a fine young man,” she said.
“It’s like a proud mom moment for me also. “Congratulations, BJ!”
Buck Olson closed the program, saying, “We congratulate you Byron, as an Eagle Scout. The eagle soars high and seeks to rest only upon the lofty peaks. As an Eagle scout, you too, must soar high. You must not swerve from the path of duty. Your ideals must be lofty. You must strive to attain that which is the highest and noblest in life.”
A junior a Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, BJ, 17, is already taking flying lessons and working to get his Personal Pilot Licenses (PPL). His goal is two-fold: To do something with his life “to always help others” and to start his career “as a commercial pilot or serve in the Armed Services.”
Asked how he felt about reaching Eagle rank, he said,
“Being an Eagle Scout is important because it requires immense hard work, dedication, and service to others. It gives teens something to strive for and instills confidence, leadership, and a commitment to the community. These skills carry into college, career, and adult life. Scholarship, Career, College admissions & Military Rank.”
