PARIS, Ky. — Family, fellow Scouts, leaders, and community members gathered Sunday at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Paris to celebrate Ethan Scott of Troop 63 as he was formally invested with the rank of Eagle Scout during his Court of Honor.
The ceremony marked the culmination of a 12-year journey that began in August 2014 when Ethan entered the Scouting program as a young Cub Scout. Ethan officially passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review on August 4, 2026, following the completion of his leadership service project earlier in the summer. Earning the rank places Ethan among the approximately two percent of all youth in Scouting who reach the organization’s pinnacle honor.
A Ceremony of Tradition, Character, and Family
The Court of Honor opened with the presentation of colors and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Luke Johnson, followed by an invocation offered by Father McKenzie.
Mikki Johnson presided over the ceremony, reflecting on the enduring principles of physical, mental, and moral growth embodied in the Scout Oath and Law, while offering heartfelt praise for the guest of honor:
“Ethan is the kindest, most gentle person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,” Johnson shared. “He is a friend to every person he meets. He has been a loyal Scout and friend.”
Jason McDonald then retraced Ethan’s climb along the Eagle Trail, highlighting the perseverance, service, and steady dedication required to reach the summit of Scouting.
Scout leader Jeff Miller administered the Eagle Charge, inviting all Eagle Scouts present in the sanctuary to stand alongside Ethan. Facing his fellow Eagles, Ethan reaffirmed his allegiance to the Scout Oath and took upon himself the lifelong obligations and responsibilities of an Eagle Scout.
In a poignant family tradition, Ethan’s mother, Teresa, pinned the Eagle Scout medal to his uniform. Ethan then presented miniature Eagle pins to his mother and stepdad in recognition of their steadfast encouragement, sacrifices, and support throughout his scouting career. He was subsequently vested with the traditional Eagle Scout neckerchief.
Honoring Mentors Along the Trail
During his address, Ethan gave heartfelt thanks to the family who stood behind him every step of the way:
“I know that earning my Eagle Scout isn’t something I accomplished completely on my own,” Ethan shared. “My family has been a huge part of this achievement, and I will always be grateful for that, and I couldn’t have done this without you.”
As part of the court, Ethan recognized six mentors with Eagle Mentor Pins for providing pivotal guidance along his path:
- Mikki Johnson, recognized for being a constant guide and steadfast source of support every day since Ethan’s very first day in Scouting.
- Luke Johnson, recognized for a lifelong friendship and brotherly support dating back to their first day of preschool. Speaking on their shared journey, Luke shared: “I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for Ethan. I could not be more proud of him.”
- Dr. Frank Ettensohn, recognized for guiding Ethan through the planning and execution of his Eagle service project, as well as mentoring his current senior-year academic research co-op.
- Jean Elliott, recognized for teaching essential first aid and camping techniques, sharing survival debates, and joining him for countless episodes of Alone.
- Dean Elliott, recognized for instructing Ethan in woods tool maintenance, blade crafting, and knife and axe making.
- Anthony Koch, recognized in absentia for his mentorship, guidance, and encouragement along Ethan’s trail to Eagle.
An Exceptional Scouting Resume
Surrounding the sanctuary and reception hall, displays highlighted Ethan’s comprehensive journey through Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA, including his shadowboxes with Cub Scout rank neckerchiefs, event patches from Camp McKee and Peterloon, and his Order of the Arrow sash from Kawida Lodge 480.
Over his scouting career, Ethan earned 44 merit badges—more than double the 21 required for the Eagle rank—qualifying him for multiple Eagle Palms. His badge collection spans STEM, wilderness survival, and civics. For his culminating Eagle Scout project, Ethan founded and organized The Junior Paleontology Society, introducing younger students to earth sciences and paleontology while testing his leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
His scouting record includes:
- Senior Patrol Leader (Troop 63): Assumed the top youth leadership position in February 2024 to lead troop meetings and mentor younger Scouts.
- National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT): Completed leadership training through the Blue Grass Council in November 2023.
- Order of the Arrow: Inducted in March 2025 into Scouting’s National Honor Society.
- National Outdoor Achievement Award for Camping: Logged 71 nights of camping and 34 hiking miles.
- Wilderness Medicine Certification: Certified in Wilderness First Aid through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in March 2026.
- American Red Cross Certification: Certified in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED.
- P.R.A.Y. Program Award: Honored for his commitment through the “Building Faith in Youth” program.
- Totin’ Chip & Firem’n Chit: Certified in safe woods tools handling and fire craft.
Eyes on the Prehistoric Frontier
Ethan’s Scouting trajectory has mirrored a passion he discovered at three years old: paleontology. Having earned merit badges in Geology, Nature, and Reptile and Amphibian Study, Ethan is already actively preparing for his scientific career.
He is currently completing a senior-year co-op with Dr. Frank Ettensohn through the University of Kentucky, where he plans to complete undergraduate studies in paleontology and zoology. Following his time at UK, Ethan plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Chicago in vertebrate paleontology with a minor in paleozoology, before heading west to Arizona to conduct vertebrate paleontological field discovery and research.
Following a benediction by Father McKenzie and closing remarks by Luke Johnson, guests joined Ethan and his family for a celebration dinner in the church fellowship hall, sending off Paris’s newest Eagle Scout onto his next life expedition.