Church of Scientology's Boy Scout Troop 313 Celebrates Advancements and Newest Eagle Scout

In a tradition spanning 105 years, members of Boy Scout Troop 313 celebrated a year of hard work and dedication to demonstrating the Boy Scout Oath, including awarding the rank of Eagle Scout to one of their own. End Quote

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL (1888PressRelease) June 04, 2015 - Boy Scout Troop 313, chartered to the Church of Scientology, Flag Service Organization, held their Court of Honor Ceremony at Delphi Academy this week.

Six Scouts advanced in rank and thirteen merit badges were awarded.

The ceremony, led by newly advanced Boy Scout Cole Sherman, was highlighted by the announcement that Life Scout William Harris had fulfilled all of his Eagle Scout requirements and was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout.

"This is one of the best things that I have ever done with my life," Harris said to the audience. "All along in my life, I have used what I have learned in Scouting. And now that I am an Eagle Scout, I see that I can do so much more."

Mr. Harris had the additional challenge of his first language being French. "When he first started coming to Troop meetings," recalled Scout Master Steve Lund, "William worked hard to learn English so that he could be a part of the Troop. I am very proud of him."

Scout Master Lund also acknowledged Harris' parents. "A Scout doesn't take this journey on his own and we need to recognize the two people who helped you to get there and were by your side the whole way, your mom and dad."

In addition to completing twenty-one merit badges, Harris also needed to plan, fund and complete a project that benefits the community. Harris' project was to create planter boxes at Washburn Academy, where he attends high school.

Harris follows in the footsteps of many famous Americans who have also earned this rank, including Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard.

"Of all of the various information which became important to me," wrote Hubbard, "such as photography, wood lore, signaling and many other subjects, the basis of it was laid in Scouting."

Hubbard crediting the skills he learned in Scouting to helping him survive his military duties in World War II.

In addition to Harris' achievements, other Scouts who were advanced in rank included Mason Hillman to Tenderfoot, Zack Fishman and Alex Harvey to 1st Class Scout and Roark Haggarty to Star Scout.

To find out more about Boy Scouting, please visit the Boy Scouts of America website at www.scouting.org.

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