Eagle Scout Robert Newell poses with General Sessions Court Judge David Bales and County Commissioner Jim Coppinger. Click to enlarge.
Robert Newell received his Eagle Scout Badge during a ceremony that included General Sessions Court Judge David Bales, Robert and County Commissioner Jim Coppinger.
Judge Bales, who taught Robert's Troop 219 a merit badge, presented Robert's Eagle Badge.
Judge Bales told of his childhood scouting days, and said he wished that more boys were involved in scouting. He said only two percent ever reach the goal of Eagle Scout.
Robert received 36 merit badges. Judge Bales told Robert that, in the future, employers will be impressed when they see Eagle Scout on his application for employment.
Commissioner Coppinger presented Robert with a plaque from the county commissioners along with an American flag that flew in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 19 in Robert's honor. The flag was a gift from Congressman Zach Wamp.
The pinning ceremony drew a large crowd of people, including dignitaries, educators, family and friends of Robert.
Robert, in his appreciation speech, said he wanted to thank all his teachers for teaching him self-discipline and kindness. He also thanked his fellow scout troop members for helping him to accomplish the challenges to reach his goal of Eagle Scout.
He is the son of David and Susan Newell and grandson of Eddy and Diane Newell. His late great-grandfather was Sheriff Frank Newell.
Eddy Newell helped Robert in many of his badges as well going to camp with him every year.
The troop is led by Scoutmaster Danny Cross and Assistant Scoutmasters Skip Robinson, Darryl Burt and Eddy Newell.
Robert was the senior patrol leader of his troop and is the first ever to receive Eagle from Troop D.
Robert, 15, a is sophomore honor student at Soddy-Daisy High School. He maintains a grade point average of 3.80 and is on the ROTC rifle team.