Fredonia’s Scout Troop 267, sponsored by American Legion Post 59 in Fredonia, held its first in-person Court of Honor in more than a year.

The Court of Honor ceremony began with Ledreth Velez-Olmo, senior patrol leader, who called the Court of Honor to order, asked for the Presentation of the Colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Charlie Cinque delivered the Scout Oath and Natasha Kemp led the Scout Law. Committee Chairperson Cynthia Smith welcomed families. The opening prayer was given by Chaplain Walter Sedlmayer.

Velez-Olmo turned the Court of Honor over the Scoutmaster James Stenger, who awarded rank advancements. Henry Hegna was welcomed as the newest member of the troop and received his Scout rank. Both Charlie Cinque and Natasha Kemp advanced to Second Class rank.

Life Scout Cooper Stenger announced 19 merit badges which were awarded to the scouts by Marianne Bowers. TJ Ackley, Calder Annear, Matthew Brown, Jethduan Cordova-Olma, and Ledreth Velez-Olmo earned the Exploration merit badge. Samuel Bowers and Cooper Stenger earned the Camping merit badge. Cortland Lehnen earned the Theater merit badge and Riley Smith Mallon earned the Traffic Safety merit badge. Ryan Proffitt earned Citizenship in the Community, Cooking and Snow Sports merit badges. Lenieth Velez-Olmo earned the Exploration and Camping merit badges. Isaac Williams earned the Cooking, Fire Safety, Golf, Safety and Skating merit badges. Scoutmaster Stenger congratulated the Scouts on all their hard work and thanked all the merit badge counselors for their work with the troop.

Scoutmaster Stenger awarded the Boy Scout World Conservation Emblem to Samuel Bowers, Jack Spengler and Cooper Stenger. The World Conservation Award provides an opportunity for scouts to ‘think globally ‘ and ‘act locally ‘ to preserve and improve our environment.

A special presentation was given by Scoutmaster Stenger. Eagle Scout Joseph Bowers is a 2021 recipient of the Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Distinguished Scout Scholarship. Each year, the National Catholic Committee on Scouting awards scholarships to seven Catholic young men or women who are high school seniors and registered and an active member of a Scouts BSA Troop, Venture Crew or Sea Scout Ship. The applicant must have earned the Eagle Scout Award, Summit Award or Quartermaster Award; earned the Ad Altare Dei or Pope Pius XII religious emblem, and provided service and leadership to their church, community, school and Scouting. Joseph’s will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to earn dual bachelor degrees in aeronautical and mechanical engineering.

Life Scout Cooper Stenger presented service stars to three scouts: Charli Callen and Natasha Kemp, two years; and TJ Ackley, six years. In addition, the troop recognized six volunteers and presented service stars to Dustin Lukach and Todd Proffitt, one year; Laura Proffitt, two years; James Johnson, three years; Ron Bowers, four years; and Dennis Bouquin, 11 years.

Summer activities were discussed by Scoutmaster Stenger. Many scouts in the troop will be attending summer camp at Camp Merz or Camp Massawepie or hiking at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. The recognition of outgoing officers and the induction of new officers who hold leadership positions for the troop were announced.

Troop 267 meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at Memorial Post 59, 156 E. Main St., Fredonia, and is open to all boys and girls who are at least 11 years of age or have completed the fifth grade. For more information about the troop and how to join, visit the troop’s website at www.fredoniatroop267.com.