On December 12, 2022, Troop 542 concluded its fall quarter with an annual Court of Honor. This ceremony, held every three months, acts as a checkpoint for the year, as well as a celebration of individual Scout and Troop accomplishments.
The ceremony began with the investiture of new Scouts. Troop 542 officially welcomed Nathan Cohen, Ray Suo, Asher Wang, Jailin Geng, Alric Weng, Albert Wu, Ziqian Hu, Vincenzo Germain, Zack Ji, Timo Lan, Thomas Monte, Ayden Xu, and Ryan Yip to its ranks.
After the investiture of new members, the Troop recognized Scouts who advanced in rank during the fall quarter. Nathan Cohen, Ian Sun, Alric Weng, Albert Wu, and Ayden Xu were awarded Scout rank. John Kohler and Reilly Kohler were recognized for achieving Tenderfoot. Ian Anders was promoted to Second Class. Nathan DiGiambattista achieved a “double bump” by earning Second and First Class simultaneously. Alan Jiang, Alex Peng, and Declan Zwicker were awarded Star rank, and Liam MacIntyre, Teddy Dobbins, and Brian Lester were promoted to Life rank.
Next, Troop Scribe Gavin Fountain presented Scouts with merit badges earned this fall. All told, Troop 542 Scouts completed 27 badges in the final quarter of the year.
Then it was time for the debut of the films produced by the Scouts on the November movie-making camping trip. After rounds of laughter and applause, the long-awaited results of the contest were unveiled. In third place was the Pine Tree patrol’s “Swiper,” a reference to the children’s’ TV show “Dora the Explorer.” The Eagle patrol took second place with its “Better Ring Ryan” a parody of the blockbuster TV show “Better Call Saul.” The first-year Squirrel patrol took top honors with its comedy “The Militia” that paid homage to the patriots of the Revolutionary War.
The ceremony drew to a close as Scoutmaster Mark Krueger gave a farewell speech and formally passed the Scoutmaster torch to Ed Grivner. Troop 542 Scouts, leaders and parents gave Scoutmaster Krueger a rousing round of applause in gratitude for his years of service to the Troop and welcomed Mr. Grivner to his new role.