Proffitt announced the troop’s rank advancements and Scoutmaster Jim Stenger awarded 2nd Class rank advancement to Jethduan Cordova-Olmo. Stenger congratulated Ledreth Velez-Olmo for recently earning his Eagle rank. Stenger presented Eagle scout TJ Ackley with his Eagle palms: 1 Silver, 2 Gold and 3 Bronze. Eagle palms are presented to Eagle scouts who have earned five, 10, 15 or more merit badges beyond the 21 required to become an Eagle Scout.

Proffitt and 1st Class Scout Natasha Kemp announced and presented 16 merit badges that were earned since the March Court of Honor. Nathan Balch earned Environmental Science, Fishing, Swimming and Reading merit badges. Aaron Cook earned Gardening, Swimming and Fishing merit badges. Ryan Cook earned Fish & Wildlife Management, Gardening and Fishing merit badges. Jethduan Cordova-Olmo, Adam Lukach, Hunter France and Benjamin Spengler all earned the Swimming merit badge. Natasha Kemp earned the Communication merit badge and Henry Hegna earned the Game Design merit badge. Stenger congratulated the Scouts on all their hard work and thanked all the merit badge counselors for their work with the troop.

Proffitt and Kemp presented Totin’ Chip Emblems to Mason Alguire, Hunter France, Nathan Kelly, Maxwell Kropp, Adam Lukach, Levi Mierzwa and Benjamin Spengler. The Totin’ Chip is an award to a Scout who understands how to safely use bladed instruments.

The Founder Patch was awarded to Natasha Kemp, Rebecca Schafer and Vicky Cunningham, who were the founding members of the Girl’s Scout Troop 267. National Youth Leadership Training patches were earned by Samuel Bowers, Charlie Cinque, Natasha Kemp, Jack Spengler and Cooper Stenger. Samuel Bowers was recognized for his achievement as Chautauqua County American Legion Boy Scout of the Year.

Service stars were presented by Proffitt and Kemp to one scout: Natasha Kemp, three years, and four volunteers: Dustin Lukach and Todd Proffitt, two years; Laura Proffitt, 3 years; and Ron Bowers, five years.

Kemp announced and recognized the outgoing officers who held leadership positions for the troop. The scouts were presented certificates for their service. Proffitt announced the new officers who hold leadership positions for the troop and inducted the new Senior Patrol Leader, Cooper Stenger.

Jim Stenger announced the upcoming troop events. Many scouts will be attending scout camp this summer at Camp Merz and Camp Massawepie. He thanked parents and the troop’s committee members for the continued support and success of the troop. He thanked everyone for the continued donations to Can Kings which helps fund the Court of Honor, offsets the cost of membership dues, troop activities and much more. The troop hosts a year round bottle and can drive in which all are welcome to drop off their donation to Can Kings Redemption Center, Main Street, Fredonia. Let Can Kings know your donation is to support Scout Troop 267.

Proffitt invited Copper Stenger to conduct the closing ceremony, who asked to Retire the Colors and then invited the scouts to take a group photo and enjoy refreshments.

Troop 267 meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at American Legion Post #59, 156 E. Main St. in Fredonia, and is open to all boys and girls who are at least 11 years of age or have completed the fifth grade. For more information about the troop and how to join, visit the troop’s website at https://www.fredoniatroop267.com.