Sidney teen earns Eagle Scout rank

Last April, Jeremy Croft led other Eagle Scouts and friends in building five large wooden planters for the town of Oakland, replacing the old rusted tricycle planters. In the spring they are placed on traffic islands and other locations around town. Jennifer Croft photo

Jeremy Croft of Sidney received Scouting’s Eagle Scout rank during a ceremony Jan. 4 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Waterville.

Family, friends, and Scouts from Troop 417 and Troop 401 were on hand to watch the culmination of years of work, according to a news release from Chuck Mahaleris, district vice chairman for the Kennebec Valley District of Scouting.

Jeremy Croft recited the Scout Oath during the opening of his Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony on Jan. 4. Chuck Mahaleris photo

Troop 401 Scoutmaster Eric Handley, who served as master of ceremonies, called Croft “the guy that wants to be out doing. Jeremy is in his element outside, camping, playing soccer, hiking and just doing.”

Jeremy’s mother placed the Eagle pin on her son. He is the fourth Croft son to earn Scouting’s highest rank. Tayler received his Eagle Scout rank in 2016, Cameron in 2017 and Tieran in 2018.

“Scouting has been a wonderful addition to our family,” Jennifer Croft said. “It has taught our boys skills and principles that have already benefited them in their life. They all have learned to love camping and the outdoors, they have learned new things through their merit badges, and have learned how to be better citizens through serving in our community.”

Jeremy, a sophomore at Messalonskee High School, served as assistant senior patrol leader for Troop 401.

This Croft family photo from 2018 shows Jeremy Croft, in front, wearing the blue Cub Scout shirt. In back, from left, are Cameron, Jennifer, Devin, Tayler and Tieran Croft. Jeremy is the fourth Croft to earn Eagle Scout. Submitted photo