Gillespie earns Eagle Scout rank

Gary Exelby photo - Tyler Gillespie, middle, receives the scarf denoting Eagle Scout rank from Troop 200 scoutmaster Robert martin, left and assistant scoutmaster Tony Stevens at the Dexter Church of Christ Fellowship Hall during a Boy Scout Court of Honor on Sunday afternoon.

Dexter's Boy Scout Troop 200 has produced yet another Eagle Scout, Tyler Gillespie. Gillespie, 15, received the top Scouting rank during a Boy Scout Court of Honor on Sunday afternoon at the Dexter Church of Christ Fellowship Hall.

Gillespie earned a total of 26 merit badges, more than the 21 minimum to achieve the rank. In addition, he said after the ceremony, he organized the reforestation of a 3.5-acre parcel of land at Otter Slough.

"He planted 250 trees," said troop 200 scoutmaster Robert Martin in the course of the ceremony the ceremony. Gillespie, in his own comments, took care to thank the Department of Conservation for the opportunity, as well as those who had helped him with the project.

He said after the ceremony that a total of 13 adults and Scouts had helped him with the project. One of the criteria for evaluation of the project is demonstration of the ability to manage people as a resource.

And numerous people congratulated or otherwise remarked upon Gillespie's achievement. "You are a marked man," said Martin jokingly. Everyone will be looking to you as an example of the best of Scouting.

"So live and serve to inspire others."

"Tyler is the future," said Rev. Louie Lowe of the Troop 200-sponsoring First United Methodist Church Men's group. "It takes a tremendous amount of support to become an Eagle Scout," added Rev. Don Bahr of the hosting Church of Christ.

Both state Rep. Billy Pat Wright and state Sen. Rob Mayer presented Gillespie with resolutions from their respective houses in the Missouri Legislature commending him for achieving the rank. "Today is your day," said Wright as he presented a copy of the resolution to Gillespie.

"We hear about the bad in today's youth," added Mayer, "but seldom do we hear about the good.

"You have learned about commitment and hard work, to get where you are today."

All the speakers acknowledged less than 2 percent of those entering Scouting make it to Eagle Scout. After the ceremony, Martin said that despite the rarity of the rank, a total of 10 Scouts from Troop 200 had become Eagle Scouts in the last five years. In addition to Gillespie, the group includes brothers Greg and Steve Ulm, Brad Martin, Troy Martin, Ben Morgan, Nathan Palmer, Wesley Rogers, Ryan Humphrey and Steve Kent. "And we have two more in work," Martin said with a smile.

Of the 21 merit badges that represent the minimum needed to be considered for Eagle Scout rank, 12 merit badges are specified as required. According to Martin they are:

* Camping

* Citizenship in the Community

* Citizenship in the Nation

* Citizenship in the World

* Communications

* Emergency Preparedness

* Environmental Science

* First Aid

* Swimming

* Financial Management

* Personal Management

* Personal Fitness

* Family Life.

Gillespie's other 14 badges covered subjects as diverse as railroading, salesmanship, oceanography and basketry.

Tyler Gillespie is the son of Kyle and Brenda Gillespie. He is also the grandson of Dale Gillespie, to whom he presented a pin in recognition of the importance of the elder Gillespie's influence as a mentor.

gexelby@dailystatesman.com