November 8, 2020 (Cincinnati, OH) – Continuing a strong legacy in what can only be described as a unique year, Troop 281 of Anderson Hills United Methodist Church awarded seven young men the rank of Eagle this past November. Despite obstacles due to COVID -19 restrictions, the Troop was able to safely conduct the ceremony on November 8, 2020. Although restrictions limited the number of people able to attend in person, in the true spirit of scouting, leaders utilized their creative resources and were able to live stream the event for those that were not able to attend. The program highlighted the Scouts’ achievements and challenged them to continue their journey as Eagle Scouts. “Throughout the program we heard the Scouts rally around themes like perseverance, commitment and humble gratitude,” observed Doug Siebenburgen, Eagle Scout and organizer of the ceremony. “The ceremony highlighted the importance of service to the community as well as celebrated the outstanding personal achievement of our next generation of young people – even in the midst of a pandemic.” 

The seven Scouts demonstrated outstanding leadership in their time in Troop 281, serving in various leadership positions, attaining skills, and taking part in diverse high adventure experiences. Their Eagle Projects all demonstrated their growth as Scouts, while also speaking to their unique interests. Scouts recognized at the November Court of Honor and their Eagle Project contribution to the community included:

• Andrew B., Turpin High School senior, built flower boxes and an archaeological dig pit for the preschoolers at Mount Washington Presbyterian Church.
• Danny C., Turpin High School senior, built raised wooden garden boxes with built-in benches attached to either side so seniors could sit and garden with ease. His project was constructed on land at Anderson Historical Society Urban Farm Project.
• Colin D., Turpin High School graduate and Xavier University freshman, worked in conjunction with the Anderson Parks District to renovate the Bridle Trail at Johnson Park.
• Brendan H., West Clermont High School senior, refurbished the concession building at Tealtown Ball park.
• Hunter M., West Clermont graduate, completed a section of trail along the Little Duck Creek in Madisonville, clearing the overgrowth along the trail, mulching the trail and building 2 benches.
• Andrew M., Turpin High School graduate and University of Louisville freshman, led the design and creation of a bench at the Southgate Volunteer Fire Department, honoring those who have served as volunteer fire fighters.
• Brent P., Turpin High School graduate and sophomore at the Miami University, conducted interviews with local veterans about their experiences. The DVD recordings were then donated to the Anderson Township Historical Society.

Leaders applauded the perseverance of these young men and all agreed that the qualities that enabled them to succeed under such unique circumstances will serve them well as Eagle Scouts and in all aspects of their life. Bill Murphree, Troop 281B Scoutmaster remarked, “2020 presented the Scouting program and its members with many challenges nationally. Scouting teaches its members the skills to learn how to charge ahead given any situation or circumstance. This year, when Scouting needed commitment, the most, Scouts across this country stepped up and kept moving forward, exploring, and advancing. Having 7 Scouts achieve the Eagle Scout rank definitely proves that, in spite of a challenging year, they did not allow the Covid-19 pandemic to prevent them from achieving more from their Scouting experience. Their commitment to themselves demonstrates the caliber of our Scouts, the quality of our troop program and the dedication of our troop Scouters. Based on the advancement numbers that Troop 281 achieved in 2020, our Scouts and our troop have definitely ‘survived’ a very challenging year; and we are prepared to continue meeting this challenge until this pandemic is over and beyond.”

To learn more about Troop 281, visit www.Troop281.org.