Boy Scout Troop 993 holds inaugural Court of Honor

Maricopa Boy Scout Troop 993 commemorated the 100th anniversary of Boy Scouting worldwide on Thursday with its first ever Court of Honor.

The troop, whose charter organization is the Maricopa Rotary Club, began on April 4 this year. Rob Gaunt is Scoutmaster; Gerry Hahn is the committee chairman, and Joe Bergen is the unit commissioner. Senior Patrol leader is Matt Gaunt.

A Court of Honor recognizes the achievements of the scouts over the preceding four months. Those achievements include a Junior Leadership Seminar on July 21. Hahn explained, “Everything in Boy Scouting has a chain of command.” He added that they teach boys to teach younger boys, and the leadership training would be very valuable.

Advancements in rank were part of the evening’s event. Eight boys were elevated to Scout while three received Tenderfoot status.

Troop members received their “colors” or official banner, and Hahn presented an American flag to the boys. The flag was originally flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Hahn becoming an Eagle Scout.

Rotary President Karen Friess spoke briefly, thanking the leaders “for all your hard work and commitment to the youth in our community.” She told the scouts: “Your organization is a shining example of things in our county and our world.”

Other guests were Maricopa Mayor Kelly Anderson and Parks, Recreation and Libraries Director Marty McDonald.

Troop 993 meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. The group is part of the Picacho Peak District of the Grand Canyon Council.

For further information, contact Gaunt via email or go to the troop’s Web site.

Photos by Joyce Hollis (Court of Honor photo courtesy of Gerry Hahn)