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Troop 486 honors newest Eagle Scouts
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From left: Austin Ervin, Scoutmaster Max Coles and Garrett Franzel. Ervin and Franzel were recognized as Eagle Scouts Tuesday night by Troop 486. - photo by Ted O'Neil

Austin Ervin and Garrett Franzel were recognized as Eagle Scouts by Troop 486 at a Court of Honor Tuesday night at St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church.

Both are 2016 graduates of Richmond Hill High School and currently freshmen at Armstrong State University. They completed all of the requirements for Eagle Scout before turning 18, as per Boy Scouts of America regulations, but waited until Tuesday’s scheduled ceremony for their official recognition.

Austin, the son of Erica and Val Ervin, started in Scouting in Pooler before joining Troop 486. Garrett, the son of Trudi and Tony Franzel, participated in Scouting in Idaho and Florida before moving to Richmond Hill. Both said they made many great memories during their journeys and learned how to set goals.

Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout — which only about 4 percent of those who join Boy Scouts do — involves earning required merit badges for such things as camping, first aid and citizenship, as well as elective merit badges that allow scouts to explore activities and career options. Eagle Scouts must also complete a project that benefits their community and displays leadership.

For his project, Ervin built and installed benches along the walking trail that circles the lake by DeVaul Henderson Park. Franzel built and installed two bridges along the cross country trail behind Richmond Hill High School. The trail is used by the high school team but can also be used by the public.

Moving forward, Franzel said he plans to transfer to Georgia Tech to pursue an engineering career, while Ervin plans to graduate from Armstrong and then attend South University to obtain a doctorate in pharmacology.

Chad Carlson, an adult leader with Troop 486 and an Eagle Scout himself, told Franzel and Ervin that they were now “marked men” and would be expected to “live up to the obligation” of being Eagle Scouts.

Rev. Clark Hubbard, also an Eagle Scout and pastor at St. Elizabeth, told them they “have been blessed, and now should be a blessing to others.”

Troop 486 also honored Scoutmaster Max Coles, who recently retired and will be stepping down from the troop. Coles was instrumental in establishing the troop in 2003, and has helped 25 young men reach Eagle Scout.

“These are our future leaders and our role is to get them pointed in the right direction,” he said.

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