On Monday, July 7, Justin Kesterson was inducted into an elite group of scouts at Columbia United Methodist Church. He was presented with his Eagle Scout Award that he earned days before his 18th birthday. Justin started his scouting journey in Washington with the Chief Seattle Council, working his way quickly up through the ranks from Cub Scouts into Boy Scouts. He moved to Kentucky and joined Boy Scout Troop 185, based in Columbia, in 2022, where he continued to earn awards with the goal of one day becoming an Eagle Scout. On Monday night, that dream became a reality.
With only two final requirements for Scouting‘s highest rank left to achieve, Justin started on his Eagle Scout project—building benches to be placed at the Cumberland County High School bus stop. With support from the school, dedication by a few faithful volunteers, and donations from gracious businesses, Justin was able to successfully complete his project while learning a lot about leadership along the way. Justin was mentored by many committed Scout leaders along his Scouting journey. His success was recognized during Troop 185’s Court of Honor where he was presented with his Eagle Scout award, an achievement that only four percent of Scouts attain.
Troop 185’s most recent Eagle Scouts Gabe Coleman and Ty Coleman were both present at Justin’s ceremony, welcoming him into an elite society of Scouts.
From Left to Right: Isaac Rexroat, Justin Kesterson, Ty Coleman, Xander Makranszky
From Left to Right: Justin Kesterson – Eagle Scout, Mark Coleman – Scoutmaster
(Trey Stephens, Assistant to the Mayor – City of Columbia)