Local Scout honored for achievements

The family of Ben Collins of Kennett proudly watched as Ben received the highest honor that a Boy Scout can achieve, that of Eagle Scout. In the Court of Honor Ceremony on February 13th at Southeast Missouri State University, Missouri State Senator Rob Mayer dedicated the 2010 Class of Eagle Scouts. In his address to the scouts, Senator Mayer pointed out that the Eagle Scout Award is an honor that will follow them the rest of their lives. He joked that 20 years from now no one will put on a job resume that they were the first chair clarinet in district band or the quarterback of his high school football team, but earning the Eagle Scout Award will always show others of the dedication and character of the man.

Ben has been active in scouting since first grade. His earliest memories of scouts include the excitement of racing his sailboat in the rain gutter regatta and watching his car speed down the ramp in the pinewood derby. He noted that scout trophies were always larger than any other trophy and the collection of trophies in his home shows that he has been active for many years.

Some of the scouting activities that he has participated in are Scouting for Food every year, attending Camp Lewallen where he obtained the Brotherhood Rank in the Order of the Arrow, a camping honorary organization. He enjoyed his time as Den Chief when he would help cub scouts in their weekly meetings. Collins stated, "It is an honor but also a big responsibility to have younger boys look up to you as a role model."

To earn his Eagle badge, Ben had to earn at least 21 scout badges, hold multiple leadership roles, and perform community service. "My favorite badge was Personal Management because it taught me how to better manage money which I know will come in very handy as I get older."

Another step towards obtaining this award was his Eagle Scout Project. The purpose of the project was not only to provide a service for the community, but for the scout to show leadership through planning and completion of the project. Ben led a group of scouts building a large shelving unit for South Elementary School.

Ben is a third generation scout. Although his grandfather, Bill Brigance, had two daughters and no sons he was the Scoutmaster in Senath in the 50's. Ben's mother, Linda Collins, was the Cub Master for Pack 89 and Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 272. She was awarded the District Award of Merit. Ben's brother, Chris Collins, earned his Eagle Scout Award in 2003. Obviously the tradition of scouting has played an integral part in Ben's life.