Matt Skidmore becomes Troop 95's newest Eagle Scout

The Skidmore family of Millsboro had a special day Feb. 27,  as Matt, son of Mark and Renee Skidmore, was honored as Troop 95’s most recent Eagle Scout.

The Millsboro Fire Department was the scene of the awards ceremony, which opened with the presentation of colors, followed by Troop 95 Chaplain Keith Hale’s invocation. Guest speakers who attested to Matt’s leadership, character, and commitment included Ron Holloway, manager of Hocker’s Grocery Store and Matt’s boss; John Wells, Sussex Central football coach; and Scott Veasey, mentor of the Junior Fireman Program for the Millsboro Fire Dept. Following these guest speakers, Lori Lewis came forward and gave the One Hundred Scouts reading.

Matt chose the Voice of the Eagle ceremony, which leads the audience through the steps from Scout to Tenderfoot to 2nd Class, 1st Class, Star and Life and finally Eagle. With each step along the scouting trail, a candle was lit by a scout of the corresponding rank.

The troop Honor Guard, Life Scouts Matt Goins and Spencer Tober, escorted Matt to the front where Trevor Rathfon, Troop 95 Eagle Scout class of 2000, presented the Eagle Challenge. Casey Lewis, Troop 95 Eagle Scout class of 2008, lit the white, blue and red candles on the fleur-de-lis as Trevor read the challenge. Then it was up to Casey to present the Eagle Oath to Matt. Matt was introduced as the 57th Eagle Scout of Troop 95 and received a standing ovation.

Renee and Mark Skidmore joined the ceremony as they presented Matt with the Eagle badge and neckerchief. Renee received the Eagle Scout mother’s pin, while Mark received a tie tack.

As Rathfon read the Legend of the Rose, Matt presented his mother with a dozen red roses followed by the traditional Eagle kiss. Scoutmaster Kevin Oldland presented the Eagle Plaque to Matt to keep as a reminder of his accomplishments and the Eagle Scout Certificate signed by the national scout executive. Matt's name has been added to the Troop 95 Eagle banner as well as the Eagle Plaque, which is displayed in the entrance of Jones Hall at Wesley Church, the chartering organization and meeting place of Troop 95.

Grandparents Ray and Saralee Stevens presented Matt with a .22 caliber Henry Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout rifle, along with a display case. This was followed by a proclamation from the House of Representatives read and presented by Rep. Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View. Rep. Ruth Briggs-King,R-Georgetown, on behalf of Sen. Joe Booth, R-Bridgeville, presented the proclamation from the Senate.

Matt began his scouting career in Cub Scout Pack 95. He earned the Arrow of Light and then moved into Boy Scout Troop 95. Matt was active with the troop at monthly camp outs, troop meetings, fundraisers, and much more. He has attended summer camp at Camp Horseshoe, earning the prestigious Silver Buckle. Matt also earned the Baltimore Historical Trail Medal. He has held several leadership positions and earned a total of 28 merit badges.

Matt’s Eagle Project involved building an outdoor classroom/pavilion at Sussex Central High School.  He will graduate from Sussex Central High School this year.  His plans include the National Guard Reserves and continuing his education to become a member of the Delaware State Police.