Boy Scouts highest honor was bestowed upon 18-year-old Leland Louis Hanks on November 26, 2006, when Troop 503 Scoutmaster, Elliott Jones presented him with the official Eagle Scout certificate and badge.
Leland's parents, Dianne and Mark Hanks, along with his sister, Anna of Vero Beach, attended Leland's Court of Honor and reception held at St. Helen's Church Parish Center. An Honor/AP student at Vero Beach High School and a member of the National Honor Society, Leland joined Boy Scouts Troop 503 at age 12, with the troop being sponsored by St. Helen's Church. The Rev. Michael Edwards, pastor of St. Helen's Catholic Church, gave the opening prayer at the Court of Honor, with Monsignor Irving Nugent offering the closing prayer. Leland has done altar service at St. Helen's for the past seven years.
Denny Delp, senior patrol leader, directed the presentation of colors and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Charles F. Griffiths, Eagle Board Chairman, recited the requirements for earning the rank of Eagle Scout: A Scout has to progress through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life before attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He has to earn at least 21 merit badges, ten of which are required and cover such subjects as first aid, safety, camping, citizenship, environmental service, emergency preparedness or lifesaving and responsibility to his troop.
As required, Leland had to plan and develop an Eagle Scout Service Project. With his leadership, other Scouts of his troop assisted him in developing a Memorial Garden at St. Francis Manor, a home for low-income senior citizens. It took months of planning and organizing, acquiring enough plants and materials to carry out the project. Residents of the Manor expressed great appreciation for the garden.
Former Scoutmaster, Joe Brown, gave the history of Leland's seven years in scouting, backing it up with fun camp pictures including many of the Scouts. Congratulatory proclamations, letters and certificates sent to Leland were read by Brown. President Jimmy Carter, President George Bush, Governor Jeb Bush, Congressman Dave Weldon sent letters of congratulations, recognizing Leland's achievements in attaining the rank of Eagle. Gary Wheeler, chairman of the Indian River County Commission, presented to Leland a framed proclamation from the Board of Commissioners recognizing the accomplishments of Leland Hanks and honored him for his achievement. Congressman Dave Weldon also sent congratulations, as did Vero Beach Mayor Tom White, who also attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Letters from friends and relatives were also read. Jane Hudson, principal of Vero Beach High School, had also presented a Certificate of Achievement to Leland prior to ceremony.
Hanks, expressed his appreciation to all of those who contributed so much toward his attaining the rank of Eagle, especially his Dad, who was an Eagle Scout, along with Leland's two uncles. Also present was Leland's grandfather, Louis Hanks, who devoted more than 30 years to Scouting and had been awarded adult's highest Scout award, the Silver Beaver. His great grandfather had also received the Silver Beaver. Leland's maternal grandparents, Lee and Alice Schroeder, flew in from Texas to attend the Court of Honor. His other grandparents, Louis and Dama Hanks, live in Vero Beach.
Looking out to some 80 people in the audience, Leland recognized that many people there had helped him and been a big influence in his life. "Many of the adult Scout Leaders here helped me reach Eagle and many Scouts are here who helped me complete my Eagle Project. Thank you." He encouraged all Scouts in his troop to stay in scouting and reach the goal of Eagle. Leland will enter college next fall.