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By Amelia Tarallo
Hometown Weekly Staff
For the last 13 years, Henry Resker and Maxwell Clare of Islington’s Troop 1 have worked their way to the highest honor of Scouting. As of Saturday, June 1, the boys are officially Eagle Scouts. The rank is achieved by four of every 100 scouts. It requires hundreds of hours of work, along with creativity and ambition.
For Henry and Max, this journey has all been worth it.
In order to achieve the rank of Eagle, each boy had to complete a long-term project that requires research and meticulous planning. Henry Resker installed two bat houses on Westwood conservation land. Clare restored a loop trail in Dedham Town Forest by creating new markers and removing of invasive species.
On May 1, parents and beloved relatives, some traveling from across the country, came to First Parish church to celebrate both of boys' accomplishments. “You're about to see your second cousin get an award,” one parent told their young son.
The ceremony was split into different sections, all leading up to the boys finally accepting their Eagle Awards. It began with Troop 1 Assistant Scoutmaster Bill McKinney opening the ceremony, followed by the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the reciting of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Fellow scouts George Resker (Henry’s younger brother) and Max Bierden took the time to recall some of their favorite moments of scouting with Henry and Max. “The best memory I have with Henry is going to Philmont,” George recalled. The experience was grueling and long, but Henry and George made their way through the 40-mile trek through Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. George was worried about the long hike, but remembered: “I knew I’d be doing it with my brother at my side.” George continued, describing what exactly makes his brother such a good scout. “He’s a very chatty person,” said George bluntly, making everyone in the room chuckle. The chattiness helps encourage everyone around him and make them feel comfortable during scouting endeavors. “It’s amazing to see just how far my brother has come,” he concluded.
Max Bierden stood up next, explaining why Clare is such a great scout and deserves his Eagle Award. He began by telling the audience about their hike to Mount Washington. “What came was one of the most tiresome trips we have ever been on,” recalled Bierden. He continued, explaining how the trek had left fellow scouts tired and lethargic. Bierden recalled how Clare kept telling fellow scouts: “We only have a few miles 'til we’re finished.” Bierden explained how this mindset helped encourage other scouts to continue towards the finish. “Congratulations, Max - you’ve finished your trail,” finished Bierden.
Both sets of parents were invited up to help pin the Eagle Medals onto the boys' sashes. As a sign of thankfulness for all of their hard work in ensuring their sons’ success, the boys then awarded each of their parents with the Eagle Mother pin and Eagle Father pin. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room in that moment.
The lessons these two young men learned during their scouting journeys will serve them throughout their lives. Whether it’s through their ability to handle treacherous treks on tall peaks, or the leadership skills they have gained, the boys are surely headed to high places.
