Eric LaFlure earns Eagle Scout rank

ERIC LAFLURE

Eric James LaFlure, of BSA Venture Crew 359 in Whitehouse, has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was presented his award during his Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Pollard United Methodist Church on Jan. 13. Eric is a junior at Whitehouse High School and a member of Pollard United Methodist Church.

Eric began his scouting career as a Tiger Cub with Pack 337 in Katy in September, 1996. Throughout elementar y school, he advanced through all the Cub Scout ranks of Wolf, Bear and Webelos. On Jan. 25, 2001, he was awarded the Arrow of Light, the highest award in cub scouting, and crossed over to Boy Scout Troop 567 in the Sam Houston Area Council. After his first Boy Scout meeting he said, "I want to be an Eagle." With that goal, he forged his path to Eagle.

Eric advanced through the ranks of Boy Scout, Tenderfoot, Second class, and First class with Troop 567. He assumed the leadership position of patrol leader, participated in camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, community service, and earned 10 merit badges. He completed Junior Leadership Training on April 13, 2002.

After his family moved to Tyler, Eric joined East Texas Area Council Troop 359 in Whitehouse on Aug. 27, 2002. With the leadership of Gary Priest, Eric advanced to Star on May 3, 2003 and to Life on Dec. 6, 2003. He held the leadership positions of assistant patrol leader and instructor. On Dec. 31, 2004 he joined Boy Scouts of America Venturing. He served as secretary and vice president of Venture Crew 359. Eric also earned an additional 19 merit badges.

LaFlure built this amphitheater for his Eagle service project. It is part of the Holloway Outdoor Learning Center.

He volunteered in numerous community service and Eagle projects each year. Since April 2003 he helped in the "Don't Mess With Texas Trash-off" campaign. He participated in numerous campouts, including summer camps at Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch in West Texas and Camp Pirtle. Activities he has enjoyed in scouts have included rafting, rock climbing, and repelling in Colorado; backpacking in Arkansas; and wild caving in Tennessee. As a member of Venture Crew 359, he earned his scuba diving certification.

During the summer of 2005, Eric met scouts throughout the nation at the 2005 National Boy Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill near Bowling Green, Va. He was part of Troop 1516, which consisted of scouts within the East Texas Area Council. Highlights of the trip were a tour of Washington, D.C., and the visit to the jamboree by President George W. Bush.

Eric's Eagle service project was the building of an outdoor teaching amphitheater on the grounds of Holloway Middle School in Whitehouse. Eric sought funding, and coordinated his plans with both Whitehouse ISD and members of Keep Whitehouse Beautiful. Lowe's provided discounted materials.

Eric completed all requirements for Eagle Scout on Oct. 12, 2006 after an East Texas Area Council Board of Review.