(l-r) Troop 713 Scoutmaster Larry Bishop with Eagle Scouts Brian Boda, Ian Agnew, Peter Moot and John Franklin, all 2010 graduates of Cobb County's Wheeler High School.
All are members of East Cobb Troop 713, Sponsored by St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church
Four graduates of Wheeler High School’s Class of 2010 from Boy Scout Troop 713 have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Led by long-time Scoutmaster Larry Bishop, Troop 713 is based out of St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church on Holt Road in East Cobb County. Brian Boda, 18, was presented his Eagle Scout medal in 2008, while Peter Moot, 19; John Franklin, 18; and Ian Agnew, 18, received their awards in 2010. As required, all four completed the rigorous “road to Eagle,” undertaking, coordinating and completing service projects and Boards of Review:
>Brian Boda redesigned and updated the playground at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection on Paper Mill Road;
>Peter Moot renovated a greenhouse facility at Eastvalley Elementary School that had fallen into disrepair and built several garden beds;
>John Franklin designed, constructed and installed six picnic tables at East Cobb’s Sewell Mill Park; and
>Ian Agnew designed, constructed and installed six bat-and-helmet racks for East Marietta National Little League, also at Sewell Mill Park.
Noted Ian, “I didn’t realize how involved the whole process was. From thinking of a useful project, coordinating with the Little League President, getting approval from my Scoutmaster and the Boy Scout Council, determining the amount and cost of supplies and the number of volunteer hours necessary, to actually purchasing supplies, getting volunteers lined up to help out, building and installing the racks, and finally passing the Eagle Board of Review, it really is a long process that takes a lot of motivation, determination and dedication.” Added John, “But now that I’ve achieved it I realize how worthwhile the undertaking truly is.” All four are now college freshman: Brian is at Furman University in Greenville, SC; Peter at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA; John at Southern Poly in Marietta, where 9 members of his fraternity are also Eagle Scouts; and Ian at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville.
To attain the rank of Eagle, a Scout must first complete all of the requirements for the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life in addition to completing at least 21 merit badges, 11 of which are Eagle-required. According to Scoutmaster Larry Bishop, “A man who is an Eagle Scout has conquered a massive number of tasks and acquired a very large body of education, most of which is not covered in school. Throughout his entire life, he will be recognized for his knowledge and leadership. Only 5 percent of all Scouts attain Eagle status, but in Troop 713 we’re at 21% since 1997.” Mr. Bishop, a lifetime resident of East Cobb, has led the troop for many years with the help of Assistant Scoutmaster Robert King, also a resident of East Cobb. Both leaders follow the old-line Scouting philosophy of teaching leadership and promoting the Scouts’ ability to run their own Troop.
