Members of Troop 267 are pictured after the Court of Honor ceremony.

Troop 267 held its quarterly Court of Honor last month in Fredonia, marking the final ceremony of the 2024-25 Scouting year.

The event celebrated growth, leadership, and a wide array of accomplishments from the troop’s dedicated Scouts and adult leaders.

Families, guests, and members of the American Legion joined in the celebration of a successful year of service and personal development. The evening began with a warm welcome from Committee Chair Holly Field, followed by an Opening Prayer by Walt Sedlmayer.

Guests enjoyed a delicious potluck dinner, shared in the spirit of fellowship and gratitude. Following the meal, the troop conducted the Flag Ceremony and Pledge of Allegiance, and recited the Scout Oath and Scout Law, reaffirming their commitment to the values that define the Scouting movement.

— Special Recognitions and Presentations: Chair Field recognized American Legion Commander Denise Puskar for her steadfast support of Troop 267 and youth development efforts across Chautauqua County. Senior Patrol Leader Ben Spengler, acting as Master of Ceremonies, led the program alongside Scoutmaster Joe Mueller, guiding attendees through the evening’s recognitions.

Rank Advancements

— SCOUT Rank: Rainn Szczerbacki, Jax Ostler

— STAR Rank: Ben O’Dell

— LIFE Rank: Max Kropp, Owen Lukach, Tyler Field

— EAGLE Rank: Adam Lukach, Ralphie Mueller The troop proudly honored Adam and Ralphie for achieving the Eagle Scout rank, the pinnacle of Scouting and a symbol of dedication, service, and leadership.

Merit Badges: Scouts earned merit badges in a wide range of subjects, showcasing their initiative and enthusiasm for learning.

Recipients included:

— Jakob Barkley – Swimming

— Aaron Cook – Citizenship in the Community, Search & Rescue

— Ryan Cook – Citizenship in the Community, Search & Rescue

— Jethduan Cordova-Olmo – Entrepreneurship, Lifesaving, Programming

— Tyler Field – Camping, Chess, Digital Technology, Lifesaving, Sports, Swimming

— Tasha Kemp – Citizenship in the Community, Fire Safety

— Max Kropp – Programming

— Owen Lukach – Swimming

— Ralphie Mueller – Coin Collecting, Lifesaving, Outdoor Ethics, Search & Rescue

— Ben O’Dell – Citizenship in Society, Digital Technology

— Jax Ostler – Art, Swimming

— Rainn Szczerbacki – Art, Digital Technology

— Eli Williams – Swimming Other Awards and Achievements

— AHC Merit Badge Campout at Camp Merz – Scouts participating in this skills-focused weekend included: Aaron Cook, Ryan Cook, Jethduan Cordova-Olmo, Tyler Field, Max Kropp, Liam McMurray, Ralphie Mueller, Ben O’Dell, Jax Ostler, Rainn Szczerbacki, and Eben Wille. Adult supporters included Joe Mueller, Carrie Ann Mueller, and Becky Schafer, with Tasha Kemp serving on Camp Staff.

— Soap Box Derby Participants: Jax Ostler and Rainn Szczerbacki represented the troop with creativity and enthusiasm.

— Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award: Ralphie Mueller was recognized for his commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible outdoor practices.

— Outdoor Ethics Training Completed By: Joe Mueller and Carrie Ann Mueller

Scout of the Year – Natasha Kemp Natasha Kemp was honored with the prestigious Scout of the Year award. A member of Troop 267, Natasha has exemplified the core values of the Scouting program through her commitment to service, leadership, and community involvement. Her dedication, positive attitude, and perseverance have made her a role model for fellow Scouts and an asset to her troop and community. Adult Scouter Award – Rebecca Schafer The Adult Scouter Award was presented to Rebecca Schafer, Scoutmaster for Troop 267 Girls and proud mother of Natasha Kemp. Rebecca has played a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring Scouts, fostering a welcoming and empowering environment for young women in the program. Her leadership, tireless volunteerism, and deep commitment to the Scouting mission have had a lasting impact on both the troop and the broader Scouting community.

Leadership Transition – The Court of Honor included the recognition of outgoing youth officers and the induction of new troop leaders, symbolizing a new chapter as the troop prepares for the 2025-2026 Scouting year.

Closing – Chair Holly Field delivered closing remarks, expressing deep appreciation to Scouts, families, and leaders for their dedication and support throughout the year. The evening concluded with a Final Flag Ceremony, offering a dignified close to both the event and the troop’s Scouting year. As Troop 267 looks forward to a new season of adventure and growth, this final Court of Honor for 2024-2025 served as a proud tribute to everything its Scouts and leaders have accomplished. Recognition of Service Stars (From the March 2025 Court of Honor) Troop 267 also acknowledged Scouts and adult leaders for their ongoing commitment with Service Stars, marking years of dedicated service to the troop and Scouting community.

Scouts Service Stars:

— 1 Year: Finn Johnson, Kam Johnson, Jakob Barkley, Liam McMurray

— 2 Years: Bella Crowell, Liadan Quinn, Eli Williams, Tyler Field, Tanner Damon, Owen Lukach

— 3 Years: Nathan Kelly, Maxwell Kropp, Ben Spengler

— 4 Years: Nathan Balch, Aaron Cook, Ryan Cook, Jethduan Cordova-Olmo

— 5 Years: Charlie Cinque, Adam Lukach

— 6 Years: Cooper Stenger Adult Service Stars:

— 1 Year: Jennifer Wilkins, Alison Williams, Myles Johnson

— 2 Years: Carrie Ann Mueller, Joe Mueller

— 3 Years: Jake Wilkins

— 12 Years: Tom Annear

Additional Recognition of Long-Term Adult Volunteers (From the March 2025 Court of Honor) Troop 267 also proudly acknowledged the long-standing service and dedication of several adult volunteers whose years of commitment have greatly strengthened the program:

— Marianne Bowers – Advancement Chair (2019-2024) and Committee Chairperson (2023-2024)

— Ron Bowers – Quartermaster (2017-2024) and Assistant Scoutmaster (2023)

— Ron Bouquin – Chartered Organization Representative (1990-2025) Their steadfast leadership and volunteer spirit have left a lasting legacy within the troop. These awards honor the continued loyalty and effort of both youth and adult members who form the backbone of Troop 267. Scout Troop 267 meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at American Legion Post 59, 156 East Main Street, in Fredonia, and is open to all boys and girls who have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10, but not yet 18 years old.

For more information about the Troop and how to join, visit the Troop’s website at: https://www.fredoniatroop267.com.