Scott Nichols Named

53rd Eagle Scout Of Troop 570

Scott Nichols was inducted as an Eagle Scout on Sunday, March 4. He is the 53rd Scout to be so named in Newtown Troop 270.

The special Court of Honor was held at Newtown Meeting House. The event was attended by many family and friends of Scott, as well as the members of Troop 270. The Eagle Scout award is Scouting’s highest honor and is earned only by a few who participate in Scouting.

An Eagle Scout must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, 12 of which are required.

During the ceremony Scott also received his Bronze Palm, which is earned after a Scout has been active for additional three months since earning his Eagle Rank and earning five additional merit badges.

Palms are earned by few Eagle Scouts. This was the first Palm awarded in the Troop since 1994 and Scott is only the fifth Eagle Scout in the troop’s history to receive a palm.

During the ceremony the Eagle Scout has an opportunity to address the audience. During Scott’s speech he challenged the younger scouts to step up into the leadership roles that the troop offers.

“I encourage all of you to step up and be a leader in Troop 270. The experience you will gain will help you for the rest of your life,” he said. “I have seen many of you display the character and drive possessed by great leaders. It is time [for you] to lead the troop.”

One of the awards that the Eagle Scout gets to present is the Eagle Scout Mentor’s pin. This is a pin given by the scout to someone who has helped him the most during his scouting career. In a very touching moment during his speech, Scott recognized and thanked his father, Craig Nichols (Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 270), and presented him with the mentor’s pin.

Scott has participated in scouting for ten years. During this time he earned many awards including Cub Scouting’s highest award, The Arrow of Light.

Scott will graduate from Newtown High School this year. He has been accepted to the United States Coast Guard Academy and will report to the academy on July 2.