Stewart Thacker (left) is congratulated by his father Chris Thacker. Stewart became Campbell County’s newest Eagle Scout on Saturday under the leadership of Chris, Scoutmaster for Troop 310.

By Charlotte Underwood

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – An Eagle Scout soared over July Fourth weekend. After a six year commitment, hundreds of accomplishments and a six month wait on the ceremony, Stewart Thacker went through his Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Saturday afternoon. The ceremony was held at the LaFollette United Methodist Church and featured videos of his time in Boy Scouts, along with several guest speakers and a reception that followed.

State Senator Ken Yager and State Representative Dennis Powers were guest speakers alongside Stewart’s father Chris Thacker, who is also the troop leader for Troop 310. 

Boy Scout Troop 310 Leader Chris Thacker pins the Eagle Scout badge on his son Stewart Thacker.

Yager and Powers read a proclamation of honor in regards to Stewart achieving the highest rank in scouting.

“This is quite an achievement, and I know I’m going to see you go on to do great things,” Yager said.

The Eagle Scout Court of Honor is a reflection on what it means to be a Boy Scout and the amount of hard work and commitment that it takes to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. 

State Senator Ken Yager presented Eagle Scout Stewart Thacker with a Tennessee Blue Book.

Part of earning his rank was through his Eagle Scout project, which was to build an outdoor sanctuary for Cedar Hill Baptist Church. 

He selected it as his Eagle Scout project because he said he wanted to “give back to the church” and to his pastor, the late Ronnie Arnold. The project consisted of a 10 feet tall cross with landscaping, as well as six rough cut cedar benches. 

Stewart Thacker, center, is flanked by past Eagle Scout graduates during his Court of Honor held on Saturday.

Stewart is also the recipient of the Boy Scout National Award of Merit and multiple other awards. During his time in Scouting he has earned 107 merit badges and 23 various other Scout awards. He has accrued more than 400 individual service hours.    

He began his Boy Scout journey in October 2015 when he was 11 years old and in the fifth grade.  His dad Chris Thacker stepped up to fill the role of Boy Scout leader when it was obvious that one was needed to help his son achieve his dream.

Stewart’s mom Crystal Thacker is the committee vice-chair for Troop 310. 

During the ceremony, Stewart placed pins on his parents, as well as his grandparents. He, along with the rest of Troop 310 also presented a wooden Eagle piece to Troop Leader Chris Thacker. 

Eagle Scout Stewart Thacker and troop leader Chris Thacker.

It was a “proud moment” for both as Troop Leader Chris Thacker pinned the official Eagle Scout pin on his son. 

Stewart provided closing remarks with a special thanks to his parents, family and friends and community leaders.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me to get to where I am at; this has been an incredible journey and I am just so grateful for all of you,” Stewart Thacker said. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 07/06/2021-6AM)

7 Replies to “Eagle Scout Court of Honor held for Thacker”

  4. Proud moment for the entire family. Lots of hard work and fun. He has learned a great deal.

  7. Stewart I am very proud of what you have accomplished through scouting, you have set many records and standards, one being that you are the first in my family line to earn Eagle. Great Job! Chris and Crystal, you have been an inspiration to all of us with your leadership and Troop 310 is fortunate to have you.

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