Words and Images by Jenny Lynn Davis
On Sunday, October 19, a ceremony was held at The Trace Church in Jasper honoring Markus Luts and Boyd Sellers for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, scouting’s highest honor.
The ceremony, hosted by Troop 10, marked one of the troop’s final milestones before officially concluding its 17-year chapter of service to local youth.
During the ceremony, both Luts and Sellers took the Eagle Scout Oath, surrounded by fellow Eagles from their troop, and honored their parents with commemorative pins, receiving their Eagle neckerchiefs in the process.
Each young man also presented a mentor pin. This tradition recognizes an individual who made a significant impact on their Scouting experience.
Luts presented his mentor pin to Bucky Kinsaul, saying, “During every important campout, Mr. Bucky was always there, helping Troop 10, but also challenging us. He also taught us to stay persistent and get the job done.”
Sellers chose to honor Stephen Miles, saying, “He was the one who taught me all the basics and how to act like a young man.”
Luts and Sellers also completed required service projects to earn their rank. Luts led a project refurbishing the Maddox Courtyard for Jasper City Schools, while Sellers constructed raised garden beds for Lupton Jr. High School.
The ceremony carried additional significance for both families represented. Earlier this year, Markus’s sister Karmen Luts and Boyd’s sister Brenda Sellers earned their own Eagle Scout ranks within Troop 10, becoming part of the troop’s first class of female Eagles. During the ceremony on Sunday, Karmen and Brenda took time to share words of encouragement with their brothers:
“As your sisters, we’ve had a front row seat to the kind of people you’ve become,” Brenda said. “We’ve seen you lead with quiet confidence, serve without needing recognition, and stay true to what’s right, even when it wasn’t easy.”
“As your fellow Eagle Scouts, we challenge you to keep your eyes on the horizon, your feet on solid ground, and your spirit ready to serve,” Karmen added.
Scoutmaster Dan Giles and Assistant Scoutmaster Stephen Miles say that this moment was especially meaningful. The two founded Troop 10 in 2008 and have guided nearly 40 young people to the Eagle rank over the years.
“We started this troop because we wanted to do Scouts the traditional way – hands-on, outdoors, and family-oriented,” Giles shared. “From 2008 until now, it’s been a really rewarding experience. A lot of work, a lot of time, a lot of stress, but worth every bit of it.”
With the troop now nearing its official close, the achievements of Scouts like Markus and Boyd serve as a fitting finale.
“We have a plaque with the name of everyone from our troop who has become Eagles, there’s almost forty names on there, and that’s what it’s all about,” Giles said. “We didn’t do it alone. We had a lot of help, and we had a lot of fun along the way.” WL
