Phillips Scout earns Eagle rank

PHOTO: Former Troop 500 Scoutmaster Ken Flagg receives the Mentor Pin from Carter Butterfield at Butterfield’s Eagle ceremony Dec. 27. (Submitted photo)

STRONG – Carter Butterfield, of Phillips, received Scouting’s highest honor, the Eagle Scout award, during a ceremony Tuesday, Dec. 27 at Strong Methodist Church Parish House.
Butterfield is the third in his family to achieve the rank. His brother Benjamin earned it in 2018 and his brother Jacob in 2020.

“Scouting has helped our family be more involved in the greater community and lead organized efforts to improve our area,” Sheila Butterfield, Carter’s mother, said. “The structure of Scouting has led us to be more productive and helpful over the years. It’s given the boys the opportunity to sample many trades and learn practical skills.”
Carter attends Mt. Abram High School. He will turn 18 in a few months, and has time to continue to earn merit badges. The Eagle Scout Award marks the pinnacle of achievement in Scouts BSA, but it’s not the last thing many Eagle Scouts achieve in the program. Eagle Palms, introduced in 1927, give Scouts something else to earn — and another good reason to stay involved in the program. An Eagle Scout will receive one palm for each five merit badges beyond those necessary to earn the Eagle Scout rank. Carter has already earned three palms for the 15 additional badges he has received.
He received many congratulatory expressions and State Rep. Mike Soboleski, R-Phillips, spoke at the ceremony, sharing the pride of the entire Maine State Legislature for Carter’s accomplishments.
Carter presented pins to his parents, Robert and Sheila, and a mentor pin to former Scoutmaster Ken Flagg.
“I believe in the Scouts BSA as a movement,” Carter said. “It helps a Scout become master of his own powers, helping them to get along with other people and it helps them find a worthy use of their powers.”