2023 Scouts of the Year

William Schroeder, Webelos, Pack 503

William’s courage when visiting family, saved a life. During a visit to his grandparents, William and his brother were hanging out when their grandfather had a massive heart attack. With his Scouting knowledge, he stayed calm and helped his grandmother with CPR and continued to do compressions for over four minutes until first responders arrived. William’s actions were instrumental in saving his grandfather’s life. 

Liam Alexander, Eagle Scout, Troop 407

A passion for service has led Liam to be an upstanding young man in Scouts. Liam remains active in Scouting and mentors his brother and sister to excel in Scouting and in life.  Liam’s spirit of service inspired his Eagle Scout project. The theme of his project was citizenship and included a blessing box for food items, a flag retirement box, a free library, inspirational notes, landscaping, lighting, a table, and a mural that reads, “Do a Good Turn Daily.”  Liam’s service earned him the President’s Service Award for three years. Liam is an honor student at Pope John Paul II Preparatory School where he participates in Model UN and Youth in Government and plays percussion in the Honors Jazz Ensemble.

Kendall Beard, Life Scout, Troop 621 and Ship 2910

Kendall is an exemplary student, musician, citizen, and Scout. A senior at Stewart Creek High School, he has been an active member of the FFA Chapter, represented his chapter nationally and was elected FFA Secretary for the region. Kendall was selected for TN Governor School for the Agricultural Sciences, and spent part of the summer at UT Martin taking college courses, with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian.  Kendall has been an asset in assisting his church’s efforts in providing food boxes for those in need during the holiday season. Additionally, he has supported the Health Ministry in logistics/traffic support for their Health Fairs and periodic distribution of Flu and COVID shots. Kendall has also served as a summer camp lifeguard at Boxwell.

Kaitlyn Brown, Eagle Scout, Troop 1581

Kaitlyn comes from a Scouting family as her brother, father, and uncle are all Eagles. Upon joining Scouts BSA as a founding member of Troop 1581, she quickly moved through the ranks earning merit badges and holding leadership positions. This mindset led Kaitlyn to be the first Eagle Scout in her troop as well as first female Eagle in the Elk River District. Her leadership is seen not only in Scouting and Order of the Arrow, but also as the Civil Air Patrol Squadron Cadet Commander.  She holds the rank of Cadet Captain and recently achieved the Earhart Award. She is a youth leader at church and sings in the choir.  Kaitlyn volunteers her time with HorsePlay, Inc, and completed her Eagle Scout project establishing a Communications Board allowing verbal and nonverbal riders the ability to communicate how to handle the horse.

Ephraim Rodenbach, Eagle Scout, Troop 367, and Crew 197

Ephraim gives his best to Scouting, including his current service as secretary of Wa-Hi-Nasa Lodge.  Ephraim attends Smith County High School where he is President of Beta Club, Vice President of the Interact Club, former Class President, and a teaching assistant in broadcasting class. He works for the local web-based news site, The Smith County Insider, producing articles and live streaming public community meetings. Ephraim was chosen as a broadcaster for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.  He will memorialize his trip in a video blog for the members of the Smith County American Legion Post. 

Samuel Rumbley, Eagle Scout, Troop 1204, Crew 1

Samuel embodies exceptional spirit, leadership, and service as a Scout. He has served in many leadership positions within his Troop and Crew and remains actively engaged in service projects such as food collection, recycling, and volunteering with Cub Scouts. His Scouting journey includes memorable experiences like summer camps and treks at Philmont and Sea Base. Helping at all levels, he has completed leadership training, such as National Youth Leadership Training, National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience, and more. Having served on Boxwell staff, Samuel taught merit badge classes and fulfilled the role of OA Representative. As Lodge Chief of the Order of the Arrow, he led over 850 members, receiving the Founder’s Award for his leadership and service. On his church’s youth council, Samuel participates in service projects such as planting trees, restoring over 500 chairs for camp, and helping build a church in South America.