Cyrus recognized in Eagle Court of Honor

William Cyrus, a senior at Sisters High School, achieved an honor he began working on when he was a Tiger Cub in Cub Scouts over 11 years ago: Last Sunday evening an Eagle Court of Honor was held for Will at Brand 33 Restaurant at Aspen Lakes.

"The pathway to Eagle Scout can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout," said Scoutmaster Gene Trahern. "Officially the trail begins with the Tenderfoot rank, and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then the mountain-climbing really begins; the path is marked by merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of scouting skills and

ideals."

Cyrus earned 40 merits. Achieving his camping merit badge took him on a 50-mile hike into the Wallowas, which Will describes as, "One of the most beautiful - and back-breaking - hikes I've ever done."

He still recalls his scout master, Gene Trahern, encouraging him on - "only a couple more miles now, Will..." - when it was really about five.

Cyrus also had to take on the responsibilities of a patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, troop guide, Order of the Arrow, den chief, scribe, historian and several other leadership roles on that steep trail to Eagle Scout. And along that steep trail he learned a lot about his "sacred honor," the touchstone of becoming an Eagle Scout.

Once he had all that under his belt, he took part in scoutmaster conferences and successfully completed an Eagle Scout Board of Review. And then came his big service project on the Peterson Ridge Trail (See "Sisters youth earns Eagle Scout rank," The Nugget, December 6, 2011) Cyrus planned and completed the installation of sign posts and a picnic table on the Peterson Ridge Trail.

"Yeah, William really had to plan and work hard on the picnic table part," Will's dad, Matt, said. "He had to reopen and remake a road the Forest Service closed and landscaped to get that picnic table up there, and then, he and his crew put the road back to bed, and made it natural again."

His mom, Kelly, summed up Will's experience: "Scouting has allowed William to participate in a lot of life-changing activities that he wouldn't otherwise have been able to enjoy."