For every 100 boys who begin scouting, only two attain the coveted rank of Eagle.
Since 1996 three members of Boy Scout Troop 108 have reached the Eagle rank while three more are “within just a few merit badges” of achieving scouting’s highest rank.
The members of Troop 108 consider those numbers a testament to their scoutmaster’s leadership, guidance and devotion to scouting.
As a result, Oxford resident Richard Morton was honored Monday evening with the “Scoutmaster Award of Merit,” a rare national honor bestowed by the president of the Boys Scouts of America and the National Eagle Scouts Association.
The award certificate stated that Morton has been recognized for his “service with enthusiasm, wisdom, experience and understanding resulting in a dynamic Boy Scout Troop operation.”
“I don’t feel that I deserve it,” said a humble Morton. “I just try to help out and push these guys so they can be better people.”
Morton began scouting at the age of 11 and has been involved in it for more than 30 years.
Ten years ago Morton helped found Troop 108, which is sponsored by American Legion Post 108 in Oxford. He’s served as the troop’s scoutmaster for about four years.
“Seeing these guys advance and do good things in life” has been the most rewarding part of his leadership role, according to Morton.
Morton said he believes scouting is important because it “teaches boys leadership, how to get along with others, the ideals of good citizenship and how to advance themselves and help others.”
John Radke, who serves as Troop 108’s assistant scoutmaster, noted that Morton’s also helped “many scouts achieve the rank of First Class,” which is the half-way point to attaining Eagle rank.
“A successful troop has people advancing to the rank of First Class fairly easily,” Radke said. “It’s a sign the troop is active and serving the community.”
There are six ranks in the Boys Scouts. From lowest to highest, they are Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle.
Morton was nominated for the Scoutmaster Award of Merit by members of his own troop.
“They’ve all seen what a fantastic job he’s done,” Radke said. “He’s worked hard for the boys.”