Travis Calvin Cook of Deep Run was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, Boy Scouting’s highest honor, in a ceremony Jan. 25 at Woodington United Methodist Church in Kinston.
Cook is a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 244, sponsored by Pink Hill United Methodist Church.
Scoutmaster Wendell Taylor was Master of Ceremonies, and the Rev. Claude Wilson, Woodington UMC pastor, gave the invocation.
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Matthew Smith led the troop in the Presentation of Colors, Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath and Scout Law.
The Rev. James Miller, retired minister and an Eagle Scout, led Troop 244 in a program, “Scout Law Candle Ceremony.” Cook’s brother, Zachary Cook, and Michael Deaver, both Eagle Scouts from Troop 244, presented the “Eagle in History,” discussing symbolism inherent in the Eagle Scout Award.
Eagle Escorts Zachary Cook and Deaver led the new Eagle Scout to the front of the sanctuary. Troop Committee Chairperson and Assistant Scout Leader Cindy Deaver issued the Eagle Charge.
Former Scoutmaster Thomas Cavenaugh administered the Eagle Scout Oath. Travis Cook’s mother presented him with his Eagle Medal. His father presented him with a certificate and letter from the BSA National Office commemorating and congratulating him on this achievement. The BSA East Carolina Council Scout Executive, Ray Franks, also sent a letter of congratulations.
Before the ceremony, Cook had been awarded an Eagle Scout mug by Dr. Jack Harrell and had received a letter of congratulations from the Honorable Paul Newby, State Supreme Court Justice and an Eagle Scout. Cook also was awarded an American flag and Eagle Scout certificate from Kinston Lodge 740 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.
The U.S. Army and the City of Kinston awarded Cook a Certificate of Recognition. He received a U.S. Savings Bond, a wallet picture of Christ with the Lord’s Prayer printed on the back, and a book entitled “The Greatest Thing in the World,” all given in memory of the late Ely J. Perry Sr. by his family.
During the ceremony, Cook presented Miller with an Eagle Scout keepsake coin. He also presented Mentor pins to Scoutmaster Taylor and Assistant Scoutmasters Holmes and Deaver as thanks for their guidance during his seven years as a Troop 224 member. He presented his mother and father with Eagle Scout’s Mother’s and Father’s pins, respectively.
On behalf of Tom Yates, Cavenaugh presented Cook with an Eagle feather, crafted by Yates.
Annette Huffman provided patriotic music, and Wilson gave the benediction and offered the blessing for the reception, which followed the ceremony. It was given by Cook’s parents’ and Woodington UMC members. Donna Harper and Carolyn Heath assisted.
Cook began scouting in 1999 as a Tiger Cub with Cub Scout Pack 209, sponsored by Monumental United Methodist Church in Emporia, Va.
Upon his family’s move to Deep Run in 2002, he joined Cub Scout Pack 244, also sponsored by Pink Hill UMC. As a Webelo Scout, he earned his Arrow of Life, the highest award a Cub Scout can earn.
In 2005, Cook crossed over into Boy Scout Troop 244, under Cavenaugh’s leadership. He attended summer camps at Bonner Scout Reservation. He has served as a troop quartermaster, patrol leader and chaplain aide. He earned his God and Church Medal, 44 merit badges and the World Conservation Award. He was inducted into Croatan Lodge 117, Neusiok Chapter of the Order of the Arrow.
For his Eagle project, Cook led troop members and other volunteers in building 10 picnic tables for the Lenoir County Fair Association. They were placed around the fairground fountain where the group had removed grass, installed landscape fabric and placed mulch. Upon completion of the project and after appearing before the Caswell District BSA Board of Review, Cook was awarded the Eagle Scout rank on Oct. 10, 2011, and now serves Troop 244 as a registered Adult Leader and Chaplain.
The 2012 South Lenoir High School graduate was a member of the National Honor Society. He is completing his first year at Lenoir Community College, where he is in the 2+2 Engineering program with N.C. State University.
He is the son of Cathy and Thurman Cook Jr. of Deep Run, and the grandson of Lena Grant Richardson of Emporia, Va., and the late Calvin Richardson; and Addie Daniel Cook of Yanceyville and the late Thurman Cook Sr.