Smith earns Eagle Scout honors

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
EAGLE SCOUT — Andrew Smith, center, was honored Monday during a ceremony in Crystal. With Smith are his parents Esseck Smith and Mary Smith.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    CRYSTAL — The town of Crystal christened three new flag poles and a pair of benches on Memorial Day thanks to the efforts of a local Boy Scout.
    Andrew Smith, the son of Mary Smith and Esseck Smith, of Crystal erected the flag poles and built the two benches as part of his Eagle Scout project. He received his award in November, but Monday marked the official dedication of the project and flag ceremony at the Crystal Town Cemetery on Winding Hill Road.
    “We are just so proud of him,” Mary Smith said. “He is the fourth Eagle Scout from Crystal, and we are pretty proud of that fact.”
    At the flag ceremony, fellow Scouts Gabe Schenk, Micah Rodgerson and Noah Nattress, joined Andrew. Andrew is one of many Scouts in Troop 202, under the guidance of Jeff Brooks, who have been able to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
    Andrew, 18, is a senior at Southern Aroostook Community School and member of Troop 202. He said he got into Scouting at the early age of 5.
    “I have been involved pretty much my entire life,” he said. “I always knew achieving Eagle Scout was something that I wanted to do. It’s a great achievement and I just followed that dream. I was very lucky to achieve it.”
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
RAISING OF THE COLORS — Andrew Smith, right, along with Gabe Schenk, left, and Micah Rodgerson raise the flag for the first time at the town of Crystal cemetery during a Memorial Day ceremony. The three boys are members of Boy Scout Troop 202.
    For his project, Andrew said he wanted to do something for his hometown that would bring enjoyment to the residents. He spent roughly 70 hours constructing the two benches and flag poles for the cemetery.
    A number of business and individuals assisted Andrew with his project, including Richardson’s Hardware, Katahdin Forest Products, Scout master Jeff Brooks, Crystal selectman Calvin White and Town Clerk Susie York.
    His future plans are to attend Eastern Maine Community College to pursue a career in the automotive field.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
GUN SALUTE — Firing a gun salute for fallen soldiers are, from left, Kerry Bartlett, David Burpee, Randy Rockwell and Buster Prosser during Oakfield’s Memorial Day service.