Eagle Scout: Stott Achieves Boy Scouts’ Highest Rank

June 1, 2015

Benjamin Michael Stott of Bratt was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank, during a ceremony Sunday in Bratt.

Only a small handful of scouts ever obtain Eagle Scout rank. It’s an elite club full of American heroes such as former U.S. President Gerald Ford and astronaut Neil Armstrong.

“I did not stick to it, but you did,” Congressman Jeff Miller, a former Boy Scout, told Stott during the program at Shiloh Baptist Church. “Those of you that have it (Eagle Scout) as a goal, stick to it. Get it. Once you become my age, you can’t go back and do it again.”

Miller presented Stott with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and an American flag flown in his honor over the United States Capitol.

Stott, 18, also received a proclamation in his honor from the town of Century, and written accolades from several prominent people, including the Boy Scouts of America leader and Gov. Rick Scott.

But the most touching words came from Stott’s father, the Rev. Kevin Stott, pastor of Shiloh Baptist.

“I am very proud of you. This is a great achievement. Let me challenge you today to carry with you not only the values instilled in you in these years of scouting, but also the Biblical values instilled in you through your family and through your church. God bless you, son.”

Stott, who graduated Saturday from Northview High School, focused his Eagle Scout project late last year on beautifying and repairing Drew’s Field at Walnut Hill’s Bradberry Par, which was dedicated in 2009 in memory of two-year Drew Marlow who died in a January 2008 Highway 97 traffic crash along with his father Danny Marlow.

Stott is a member of Boy Scout Troop 430 in Molino.

For more photos, click here.

Pictured top and bottom: Benjamin Stott of Bratt was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout during a Sunday ceremony at Shiloh Baptist Church. Pictured inset: Stott is presented a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition and an American flag flown in his honor over the United State Capitol by Congressman Jeff Miller. Pictured below: Stott shares an emotional moment with his mother, Sherry Stott, after presented her a pin in recognition of her help during his scouting career.  NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

19 Responses to “Eagle Scout: Stott Achieves Boy Scouts’ Highest Rank”

  1. Pat on June 3rd, 2015 1:37 pm

    By golly, there IS hope for us! I don’t know the young man, but I know it takes considerable and sustained effort to make Eagle. Well Done!

  2. Cyndi Wilson Keenan on June 1st, 2015 9:32 pm

    I’m so honored that Ben chose Drew’s Field for his project. He worked hard and did a great job to improve the field. I’m proud of Ben’s accomplishment in achieving Eagle Scout. He is a fine young man!

  3. Dr. Kevin R. Linam on June 1st, 2015 5:46 pm

    From one Eagle Scout to another, Congratulations Benjamin. I know how hard you have worked, it will follow you all of your days! Be Prepared. One of the best times of my life, Troop 150 Iriquois Point, Hawaii!!!

  4. Mrs. Betsy on June 1st, 2015 12:46 pm

    Ben it was a pleasure to get to see and work with you through out the ball season this year! Although we do not know you well, the little we do you are a kind hearted, repeat full soul. Congratulations on your graduation as well as this high honor! Hard work pays off and will get you ready for this journey we call life. We couldn’t be prouder for you!

  5. Bob C. on June 1st, 2015 12:43 pm

    From an OLD Eagle Scout to you Benjamin, Many Congratulations for your Outstanding Achievement and Many Thanks to your family for their all important support and love.

  6. Guy and Joyce Stott on June 1st, 2015 12:42 pm

    Benjamin, as your grandparents, we are so proud of you and your accomplishments. The day you accepted Jesus Christ into your heart was the best decision you have ever made. God, along with your parents, have helped you become the fine young man you are. We are so glad you had the desire to become an Eagle Scout. This is a great achievement and honor that speaks so highly of your character and your desire to help others. Congratulations! We watched you graduate on Saturday, via internet. This was another exciting moment for us and another accomplishment for you! We love you and pray God’s blessings on you in your future endeavors.

  7. Linda on June 1st, 2015 12:32 pm

    Congrats on such a Awesome Award! Great to see
    A young man work hard and make great choices in Life!
    Keep GOD first and the rest will follow. Congrats to Mom & Dad,
    I know your very proud! May GOD BLESS!!!

  8. Karen on June 1st, 2015 11:11 am

    What a wonderful achievement “Congratulations” young man on a job well done, may God keep and bless you all the days of your life.

  9. Sherry Stott on June 1st, 2015 10:56 am

    Benjamin it seems like yesterday we brought you home and my heart was about to burst with joy and now you are a young man with such a bright future! Benjamin, your dad and I are so proud of the young man you have become! There aren’t words to describe the love we have for you our son! This chapter of your life has been written and closed. Today is the blank page of the rest of your life! Put God first in your life and everything else will fall into place! I am excited to see what other great accomplishments that you achieve! Remember as your favorite verse in Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We love you to the moon and back! Love your mom and dad!

  10. DJC on June 1st, 2015 10:24 am

    I normally don’t find anything on here worth commenting, but this definitely deserves recognition! Congratulations, I hope you continue to set and achieve great accomplishments in the future.

  11. Lisa Fuller on June 1st, 2015 8:38 am

    Congratulations Benjamin! Your achievement is a testament to what hard work, discipline, and dedication can produce. Looking forward to more great things from you.

  12. Mrs. Ellis on June 1st, 2015 8:37 am

    This was an extraordinary weekend for you Ben! Graduation on Saturday and Eagle Scout ceremony on Sunday! WTG! Very proud of and for you.

  13. Wendy Aliff on June 1st, 2015 8:34 am

    I am so proud of you, Benjamin! Congratulations!

  14. goodnewsforonce on June 1st, 2015 7:00 am

    Awesome! Congratulations Benjamin! It has been my experience that any young adult who achieves Eagle Scout always continues to achieve greatness in life. This will not be the last time we hear or see this young man’s name in print! A job well done – your parents must be so proud.

  15. Jane on June 1st, 2015 6:26 am

    I don’t know this young man, but CONGRATULATIONS!!!! to him! I hope he continues to achieve his goals in his life.

  16. The Baggetts on June 1st, 2015 5:51 am

    Congratulations! What a great honor and an accomplishment for you and your family!

  17. Honest John on June 1st, 2015 5:48 am

    Congratulations to you Benjamin.It is an Honor to be an Eagle Scout and it’s not given it’s earned and you earned it.I can see by your sash that you have been busy.You made your Mom and Dad very proud of you.Remember once an Eagle always an Eagle.

  18. 430 Founding Family on June 1st, 2015 4:16 am

    I had the pleasure of meeting this young man’s parents Saturday. I cannot begin to express my joy over seeing that Pack 430 and Troop 430 is continuing to serve our community. Congratulations to Benjamin and your parents! Well done!

  19. bigbill1961 on June 1st, 2015 12:29 am

    Congratulations young man, excellent job!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News