Daniel Kearby

Eagle Scout

Daniel Kearby was awarded the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank, Eagle Scout, during a Court of Honor on October 18, 2009 at the Bond Park Senior Center in Cary, NC.   Daniel is a member of Troop 216 in Cary and is the son of Sue and Tim Kearby of Cary.  He officially earned the rank of Eagle Scout on January 14, 2009 at the age of 16.  

Daniel is the 67th Eagle Scout in Troop 216 since it was founded in 1978.  The troop is led by Scoutmaster Chuck Gay and is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church.

Family, friends and scouts came together to celebrate Daniel’s achievement in attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.  Mr. and Mrs. William Kearby of Ft. Myers, Florida attended the ceremony of their grandson. 

Master of Ceremony Gary Meyer opened the Court of Honor with a presentation of the colors by Scouts Alex Brawn, Brian DeContreras, Mark Kochanski, Kevin Mulder and Daniel Miller.  Fellow Scout Nick Davis delivered the invocation.   Current Troop 216 Scoutmaster Chuck Gay, former Troop 216 Scoutmaster Bob DeContreras, and Mark Shaefer, Troop 216 Eagle Project Representative, made remarks on Daniel’s trail to Eagle and the many contributions he made to the troop.  Eagle Advisor, David Davis, presented Daniel with the Eagle neckerchief and Troop Committee Chair Chris Meyer presented Daniel with a flag that had been flown over the United States Capitol Building in Daniel’s honor.  Mr. Charles Fossett, the Past Exalted Ruler of the Cary Apex Elks Lodge Number 2798, presented a certificate and flag; Mr. Keith Biegert, Knights of Columbus member, presented Daniel with an engraved pen.  Scout Nick Davis concluded the ceremony with the benediction.

In recognition of his achievement, Daniel also received letters of commendation from President George W. Bush, Senator Richard Burr, Senator John Glenn, Governor Bev Perdue and Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. 

Daniel began his scouting career in 1998 as a Tiger Cub with Pack 213 at the Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church in Cary, NC.  After earning 12 belt loops, 7 pins and the World Conservation Award, Daniel received Cub Scouting’s highest award, the Arrow of Light, on January 9, 2003.

During his tenure with Troop 216, Daniel earned the Mile Swim award and attended summer camp at Camp Raven Knob in Mount Airy, NC.  In July 2007, Daniel traveled to the Philmont Scout Ranch, a high adventure Boy Scout Camp in Cimarron, New Mexico, where he spent 10 days backpacking over 80 miles with several other Troop 216 scouts and leaders.  Camping, backpacking and hiking are among Daniel’s favorite activities with the troop.  Reflecting on his participation in Boy Scouts, Daniel believes “Scouting has reinforced the fact that we all have a duty to God and country and that nothing is worth obtaining if it is gained by immoral or unethical behavior.”  In order to reach the rank of Eagle Scout, 21 merit badges must be earned, 12 of which are Eagle required.  Daniel has earned 22 merit badges.

The BSA program heavily emphasizes leadership skills, and throughout his career with Troop 216, Daniel has held numerous leadership positions, including Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Historian, Quartermaster and Scribe.  As required by the Boy Scouts of America, a candidate for Eagle Scout must plan, develop, and give leadership to others while providing a service to the community.  For his project, Daniel drafted plans and then oversaw 21 scouts and adults in the construction of a boardwalk/bridge at Lake Crabtree County Park in Cary, NC along the lake trail.  The bridge spans approximately 48’ and was built high enough for water to flow underneath thereby making it accessible year round.  Daniel is grateful for the assistance of Scout Leaders David Davis, Bob DeContreras, David Walters, Steve Miller and Sohel Reza.
 
Upon graduation from Panther Creek High School in Cary in June 2010, Daniel will attend college to pursue a career in business.