SHREWSBURY, Massachusetts – Troop 158 Scoutmaster Ken Kirkwood awarded Scouting’s highest honor to Shrewsbury resident Matthew Todd this past Saturday.  Boy Scouts of America President John Gottschalk and National Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca sent a personal note to Matthew, as did District Executive Jeffrey Harris. Eagle Scout Matthew Conlon was in attendance on behalf of the Mohegan Council.

The Eagle Court of Honor was held on November 27, 2010, at Liberty Church in Shrewsbury, with many family and friends in attendance. Carter Stevens, Troop 158 Eagle Scout and current sophomore at Colby College, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Youth Pastor Jason McGee opened the ceremony with a warm welcome from Liberty Church, followed by an invocation by Matthew’s grandfather, the Reverend James G. Todd. Senior Patrol Leader Zack Georgian then formally opened the ceremony with the parading of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Matthew recognized the special guests in the audience by handing out Eagle pins to both sets of grandparents, as well as his sister, UMASS Boston Freshman Becky Todd. He also handed out roses to his grandmothers, sister, and his mother.  After a humorous welcome video, Mr. Kirkwood and Troop 158 Eagle Scout Matt Georgian described Matthew’s path to Eagle, read to him the Eagle Charge, and awarded him his Eagle Badge.

Becky Todd then addressed the audience by reading letters of commendation that our nation’s leaders signed and sent celebrate the accomplishment. Matthew received a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate. A personal letter from Karyn Polito’s was read in its entirety.  Becky also read from a long list of dignitaries that had written letters of congratulations, including Shrewsbury Town Manager Dan Morgado, former Senator and NBA ballplayer Bill Bradley,  former Governor Mike Dukakis, Massachusetts Senators Scott Brown and John Kerry, California Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggar, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, President Jimmy Carter, President and First Lady George and Barbara Bush, President George W. Bush, Vice President Joe Biden, and current President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama.

Shrewsbury Selectman Maurice DePalo then took the stage and read a proclamation officially honoring Matthew for attaining the rank of Eagle.

Proud Parents Steve and Katy Todd then shared their thoughts with the audience, and together with Matthew they presented a gift to Troop 158 as a gesture of their thanks.  After a video retrospective of his scouting career, the newest Eagle Scout took to the stage and thanked the adults in his church, his family, the troop leaders, and his fellow Scouts.  He then awarded a mentor pin to his longtime friend and fellow Eagle Scout, Carter Stevens.

Liberty Church Lead Pastor Will Bard finished the program with a brief reflection on his friendship with Matthew and a prayer for his future. After the benediction, Zack Georgian officially closed the ceremony by retiring the colors.

Matthew is currently a junior at Shrewsbury High School, where he is a multi-sport athlete and a member of the student council.  He is also an active volunteer at Liberty Church. After two international trips as a member of the United States People to People Student Ambassador Program, he is currently fundraising for a third trip scheduled for the summer of 2011.

If you would like to send Matthew a note of congratulations, or to contribute to his bottle and can drive, please contact him at his email address, mjtodd1@gmail.com.