WHEREAS, The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in scouting but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service; and
     WHEREAS, The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in Scouting, and to earn this a boy must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills; and
     WHEREAS, John Pierce Rhoden has achieved the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life to attain this highest level of Scouting achievement; and
      WHEREAS, Merit badges signify the mastery of certain Scoutcraft skills, as well as helping boys increase their skills in an area of personal interest; and
     WHEREAS, John Pierce Rhoden has earned 26 merit badges, five merit badges above the 21 required to qualify for the Eagle Scout rank; and
     WHEREAS, For his Eagle Scout Service Project, John Pierce Rhoden mapped out a fern grotto at Homestead Park, where he identified with numbered markers approximately 36 different types of native fern and created an informational brochure for the interpretive trail with the help of 22 volunteers who put in over 100 man hours; and
     WHEREAS, The rank of Eagle Scout is a significant achievement in a young man's life and takes many years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor John Pierce Rhoden as an outstanding citizen and member of the community, which he has proven to be by achieving the highest rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America Program; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to John Pierce Rhoden, in recognition of his outstanding achievement, and to David Carter, Scoutmaster of Troop 414 in the Wapato District of the Pacific Harbor Council.