Kiel garners Eagle Scout title

Approximately 75 community members arrived at the Legion Hall at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19 to show their support for Eagle Scout Peyton Kiel.

The ceremony began with all of the Boy Scouts reciting the Boy Scout Oath in front of the crowd. This was followed by Scout Master Bill Banner reciting the Twelve Points of the Scout Law.

A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

The climb to Eagle Scout is not an easy trek. Each level has requirements to be met and in order to move up one must participate in a personal growth conference and complete a board of review.

The board of review is held to determine if a Boy Scout has satisfactorily completed all rank requirements.

Kiel began at the Tenderfoot rank. In order to move to the next rank he had to complete a series of requirements including going on an overnight camping trip, explain the rules of safe hiking, demonstrate how to display, raise, lower and fold the American flag, identify local poisonous plants and show how to care for someone who is choking.

After completing this Kiel moved to the Second Class rank in which he had to use a map and compass together to take a five-mile hike. He additionally had to demonstrate proper care, sharpening and use of a knife, saw and ax.

From Second Class Kiel moved up to First Class rank. He had to demonstrate basic orienteering skills, ability with different knots and lashings and serve as patrol cook on a campout. Additionally he had to learn about the basic rights and obligations of a citizen.

Kiel demonstrated basic first aid skills and swam 100 yards in order to complete this rank.

From here he earned the Star Rank. He completed six hours of service projects and served for four months in a troop leadership position.

Kiel’s next rank was Life Scout. Here he demonstrated leadership by teaching younger scouts skills needed for them to move up in rank.

He also served once again in a troop leadership position and took part in six hours of service projects.

To complete the rank of Eagle Scout Kiel demonstrated how he lives by the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law in his daily life. He earned 21 merit badges, showed scout spirit, served in a troop leadership role and planned, developed and gave leadership to others in a service project.

This project helped not only our community but the fire department as well. They credit Kiel with a portion of their achievement in receiving their improved rating from the Washington State Rating Bureau.

He took it upon himself to coordinate the supplies needed and the labor to paint all 110 of the cities fire hydrants yellow. Most of Ritzville’s hydrants were red making them outside of regulation and difficult to spot at night.

A video presentation then took place, which showed photos of Kiel throughout his scouting experience. Those involved in his journey to Eagle Scout spoke of his cheerfulness and commitment through the harder moments of scouting.

Kiel gave a short speech sharing a few of his favorite scouting moments. He took the time to thank everyone who came for their support, especially his family who stood by him and cheered him on throughout the experience.