Clarkston Scout Hosts 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

by Becky Andrus | Sep 20, 2023 | Scouting

Brandon Kathman FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Community Relations Chairman 9/13/23
[email protected]
947-886-5736

Clarkston Scout Hosts 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

CLARKSTON – A local Scout organized a remembrance ceremony at the Oakland County
Sportsmen’s Club on the twenty-second anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Abhik Arya, 17, is a Life Scout with Clarkston’s Troop 185B and aspires to the rank of Eagle,
Scouting’s highest honor. The badge’s penultimate requirement charges youth to complete a
service project that benefits their community, known as an Eagle Project. According to Arya, he
felt called to pay tribute to the Americans who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks. As the
Sportsmen’s Club has supported his troop for years, they were an obvious partner.
“I want to give back to my community and country by honoring it in a way I can,” Arya said. “I
want to be able to bring people together and have them go home and recount what happened to
others. I want people to know the sad and courageous story of those who were killed or injured in
the terrorist attacks of 9/11.”
Arya invited dozens of Scouts from across Oakland County to the event, along with club
members, veterans from Waterford VFW Post 1008 and the Independence Fire Department. The
Scout called the audience to attention at 7:00 p.m. and delivered a brief tribute to those who lost
their lives, followed by a moment of reverent silence.
He then directed the Scouts in a flag retirement ceremony. According to Arya, he had the idea to
include this when a neighbor approached him about discarding worn American flags. He
immediately recognized that the inherent solemnity, reverence and symbolism would complement
the evening’s desired ambiance. Scouts are among the few groups that still perform such
retirements regularly, with the US Flag Code mandating that badly worn or tattered flags be
“destroyed in a dignified manner.”
Having been instructed by Arya beforehand, the youth in the ceremony’s flag detail began with
banners made of cotton materials, laying them atop a pyre to be incinerated. The nylon flags were
then buried at the site, as they would release toxic fumes if burned. The evening concluded with a
rendition of “Taps” by Troop 185B’s bugler, Life Scout Nathan Beutler, 17.
“I hope that people will remember my Eagle Scout project as more than just a flag retirement
ceremony, but a day when people came together for the fallen and retired flags to honor them,”
Arya said.

With his project complete, Arya will soon go before an Eagle Board of Review, which will
determine whether to grant him the rank. Once approved, he will join an exclusive fellowship, as
only 6% of registered Scouts ever achieve the honor.
"Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is not just the highest rank that a Scout can achieve, but a
testament to a Scout’s commitment to excellence, service, and leadership,” Troop 185B
Scoutmaster Tyler Cooper explained. “We are incredibly proud of the fantastic job that Abhik has
done throughout all phases of this project, and we know that he will continue to be an amazing
ambassador for Scouting.”

Teenage Musician Records Album for Eagle Project

by orionontv | May 10, 2023 | Scouting

Brandon Kathman                                                                             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Sr. District Executive & Operations Marketing Lead                                                               5/9/23

[email protected]

947-886-5736

Teenage Musician Records Album for Eagle Scout Project

DAVISBURG – Young musician and prospective Eagle Scout Kieron Holloway, 17, is making history, recording a therapeutic album for his final service project in what may be a first for the Scouting movement.

“The Eagle Project represents one of the final challenges for youth seeking Scouting’s highest honor, the rank of Eagle Scout,” Bob DeWar, a field director with Scouting’s Michigan Crossroads Council, said. “Kieron has channeled his passion and unique talents for what promises to be a novel approach to fulfilling the project requirements.”

The Davisburg drummer and guitarist has partnered with Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s Department of Music to produce the album, which he titled “Music for Mental Health.” A lifelong musician, Holloway comes from a family of performers. A second cousin once removed of rock and roll legend Buddy Holly, Holloway describes music as his love. 

According to Holloway, the album’s ultimate objective is to supplement the therapeutic process for those living with depression or anxiety. Painstakingly composed to facilitate self-care, the songs will be free and accessible on most major music platforms.

“Mental illness is a very serious problem that can be difficult to deal with alone, yet difficult to find help for,” Holloway said. “However, music is often used as a tool to help alleviate the stresses of it.”

Under the guidance of the university’s director of music therapy, Sophia Lee, Hollway learned about the science behind music as well as the specific needs of his intended audience.

“I posted surveys on social media, gathering the musical elements people gravitate to in order to address mental health,” Holloway said. 

Ambient and largely instrumental, Holloway’s “Music for Mental Health” will make use of drums, a guitar, a keyboard and even woodwind and brass ensembles. Holloway has recruited additional talent from the Clarkston High School band club, selecting for players he feels are “compatible with each other.” Once completed, the album will be around 20 minutes in length.

After finishing his project, the Scout must go before an Eagle Board of Review, which will determine whether to recommend him for the award. On approval, Holloway can join an exclusive few, as only 6% of youth who register in Scouting ever achieve the honor, according to the movement’s National Council.

Lake Orion Volunteers Honored by Michigan Scouts

by orionontv | Apr 10, 2023 | Scouting

Brandon Kathman FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sr. District Executive & Operations Marketing Lead 4/10/23
[email protected]
947-886-5736

Lake Orion Volunteer Honored by Michigan Scouts

The Boy Scouts of America’s Michigan Crossroads Council awarded a Lake Orion volunteer with
their highest honor, the Silver Beaver medal, during the local district’s annual banquet on April 8.
Troop 128 Assistant Scoutmaster Tom Houlihan stood before his family and fellow “Scouters” as
Jennifer Sanker, a vice president for the state-wide council, presented him with the medal. To be
considered for the honor, volunteers must demonstrate exceptional character, extraordinary service
and be nominated by their peers. Furthermore, the council can only grant a few each year.

A keystone of the Scouting movement in Oakland County, Houlihan was recognized for his role at
the council level as well as within his troop, most recently creating the Emergency-o-ree campout
in October of 2022. Held at Camp Agawam, the event utilized partnerships with first responders to
teach several hundred Scouts about emergency preparedness.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” Houlihan said of the award. “It’s a huge honor, and I’m humbled to be a
part of the team. All I can do is continue working and try to live up to it.”
Houlihan works as a deputy sheriff with Oakland County assigned to corrections. He has raised
three sons, all of whom earned the rank of Eagle Scout, including Casey Houlihan, 19, who
received his rank in 2022.

“Scouting is a way for him to help the youth and set them on a good track,” Casey Houlihan said.
“He has always joked with the kids, ‘I’m in Scouting so I don’t have to meet you professionally.’
It’s just his passion; he has loved it for years.”

Other Lake Orion volunteers earned local awards from the council’s Pontiac-Manito District,
which spans much of Oakland County. Mikah Wisner of Pack 186 at St. Joseph Catholic Church
received “Cubmaster of the Year” for his role in rebuilding the unit. During the 2022 program
year, Wisner’s recruiting efforts took the pack from a dozen youth to over 50 participants.
The district awarded “Scoutmaster of the Year” to longtime volunteer Derek Krentz of Troop 284
at King of Kings Lutheran Church. The troop has remained one of the largest programs in Oakland
County, even during the pandemic. Krentz earned praise for his mentorship and support of the
young men in his troop.

Finally, Patrick Cox of Pack 128 at St. Mary’s in the Hills received the District Award of Merit for
facilitating monthly “roundtables,” which bring together Cub Scout leaders from across the district
to network and share ideas.

22 Eagle Scouts Gather to Celebrate New Award Recipient

by orionontv | Mar 23, 2023 | Scouting

Brandon Kathman FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sr. District Executive & Operations Marketing Lead 3/10/23
[email protected]
947-886-5736

22 Eagle Scouts Gather to Celebrate New Award Recipient

Twenty-two Eagle Scouts of multiple generations gathered at the Packard Proving Ground in
Shelby to attend a “Court of Honor” for the award’s latest recipient, Daron Decator Jr., 16, of
Troop 349.
“We have a saying: once an Eagle, forever an Eagle,” Paul Hardy, Scouting’s local district
executive, said. “It’s an honor one will carry with them for their entire life; moreover, it’s a
standard they are charged to uphold.”
With over 100 youth, volunteers and family members in attendance, the ceremony was atypical in
the number of Eagle alumni present. Only 6% of youth in the program will ever attain the rank,
making them a “rare breed.” Assistant Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout Kurt Fobare served as the
event’s master of ceremonies.
“Awarding the rank of Eagle Scout is an important and serious matter,” Fobare said. “It is the
climax and goal toward which a Scout has been working for many years. Therefore, the occasion
which celebrates the Scout’s accomplishment should be something special.”
The ceremony culminated in the recitation of the Eagle Scout Promise, a sacred tradition in which
all Eagles present rise and rededicate themselves to Scouting’s mission. Even as Decator repeated
the words for the first time, others present knew them by heart after years with the program.
According to Hardy, the moment was especially moving with so many Eagles present.
“I reaffirm my allegiance to the three promises of the scout Oath,” the Eagles in attendance
recited. “I thoughtfully recognize and take upon myself the obligations and responsibilities of an
Eagle Scout. On my honor, I will do my best to make my training an example and my status and
my influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship in my troop, in my
community, and in my contacts with other people. To this I pledge my sacred honor.”

Scout Dons Uniform for Ceremony at Arlington

by orionontv | Feb 24, 2023 | Scouting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sr. District Executive & Operations Marketing Lead 2/21/23
[email protected]
947-886-5736

Scout Dons Uniform for Ceremony at Arlington

A local Scout received a rare opportunity during a recent school trip to Washington D.C., as he
placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Ceremony while
wearing his uniform.
Alex Burke, 14, participates in the Scouting program through Lake Orion Troop 284 along with
Clarkston Troop 185 and attends Oakview Middle School. As part of this year’s 8th grade class trip
to Washington D.C., four youth were selected to participate in the wreath ceremony. In order to
be considered, students were asked to submit an essay on why they should be chosen to represent
their community at the site.
In his essay, Burke explained that the tomb has a deep significance to his family. Five generations
of his family members have been called to serve in the US military, including several Purple Heart
recipients.
“I wanted to honor all of the people inside and outside of my family who gave their lives to protect
this country,” Burke said.
On learning he had been selected, Burke also determined to wear his Scout uniform for the event.
“I thought it would be good representation of Scouts and what we do,” Burke said. “It was a good
opportunity to show people that we do a lot for the community.”
Assistant Scoutmaster Rob Pote, a retired lieutenant colonel, helped Burke prepare for the
ceremony. A well-known keystone of the Scouting movement in Oakland County, Pote taught
Burke the basics of military drill.
“I really wanted to do it the proper way, the respectful way,” Burke said. “I wanted to learn all the
moves perfectly. He showed me how to march, how to turn and about the importance of the tomb
itself.”
Though Burke admitted to feeling nervous, he and his classmates performed the ceremony
perfectly, with all due reverence and respect. According to his mother, it was a deeply moving
experience.
“My heart was filled with pride,” Charity Burke said. “I think he did wonderful. He honored his
troop, his school, his community, his family and all of the unknown soldiers.”

Scouts’ Competition Adapts to Warmer Winter

by orionontv | Jan 24, 2023 | Scouting

Brandon Kathman FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sr. District Executive & Operations Marketing Lead 1/24/2023
[email protected]
947-886-5736

Scouts’ Competition Adapts to Warmer Winter

Local Scouts held their annual winter “Hodag” competition with over 220 participants on Jan 21;
this was accomplished in spite of abnormally high temperatures and a lack of snow at Camp
Agawam in Lake Orion.
The event, which is modeled after the Alaskan Iditarod sled race, pits Scout troops in friendly
competition as they travel between stations designed to test their skills. Hosted by the youth of
Scouting’s honor society, the Order of the Arrow, the event requires troops to stow their gear in a
sled dragged from station to station.
“The planning for this year’s Hodag was different than before,” Chapter Chief Teo Gammons, 17,
of the Order of the Arrow, said. “We brought new activities to the event. People had fun, even
though the sled race had to be modified.”
Temperatures in the upper 30s and a series of atypical rainstorms left the campgrounds damp and
muddy for an event typically reliant on snow. However, according to Gammons, the Scouting
program teaches youth to innovate and overcome new challenges.
Many troops outfitted their sleds with wheels to become chariots of sorts, ensuring their use would
still be possible, even on a muddy field. Order of the Arrow members took turns carrying their
mascot, “Manny,” a 50-pound stuffed moose, in the races as an unofficial competitor; when the
youth became tired, several adult volunteers stepped up to carry the oversized plush animal.
“Hodag is an event I look forward to every year,” Anthony Goatley, 16, of Lake Orion Troop 284,
said. “The energy is wonderful, and it’s always nice to see some old friends.”
Saint Clair Shores Troop 1407 ultimately carried the day, winning the competition. However,
according to one local Scout, Manny was just a “different kind of winner.”
According to Field Director Bob DeWar, the success of the event in spite of uncooperative
weather conditions speaks to the resilience of the youth leadership.
“We are so proud of the amazing young people who step up and lead their own adventures in
Scouting,” DeWar said. “This was another great event, and the high attendance speaks to the trust
our movement has in its young leaders.”