Southwestern Michigan College music major Jesse Paul Preston Saturday afternoon joined the exalted ranks of Eagle Scouts — the 34th for Troop 563, which convened its candlelit Court of Honor at First Christian Church.
Jesse, who graduated with the Union High School Class of 2011, is the oldest of Gray and Linda Preston’s four children. He has two younger brothers in the troop and a sister.
He attends Federated Covenant Church, whose pastor, Rob Lowe, gave a prayer for an audience that included Mayor Donald Lyons and City Clerk James Snow.
Jesse, who accumulated 21 merit badges ascending the trail to his lofty summit, fulfilled his Eagle service project painting soffitt on the parsonage next to Federated Covenant on Center Street.
“I sing in the choir” at SMC, Preston said. “I’m not really sure what profession I’m going to go into.” He is the first Eagle Scout in his family and attended leadership camp near Kalamazoo.
“I did summer camps up there for six years,” he said. “My parents got me into Cub Scouts and I had fun with my friends. Scout ranks are like stepping stones. You start small and work your way up. My most difficult rank before Eagle was Life. Not many Scouts make it this far — three in 100. I thank everyone who helped me and made a difference in my life.”
He presented his mom with his mentor pin.
Also in attendance was Jesse’s grandfather, Bob Ausra, longtime chairman of the Cass County Road Commission.
Pat Rohacs, advancement chair and former Scoutmaster Joe Rohacs, parents of two previous Eagles, Charles and John, pronounced Jesse qualified for the rank and attested to his character.
Both are Silver Beaver recipients.
Joe also made Jesse an Eagle plaque, carrying on a tradition begun by Niles restaurant owner Frank Frucci, according to Barb Wegner, who just retired from 36 years with Scouting.
Previous Eagles Zacharias Guernsey, the assistant Scoutmaster, and Joe Larson, son of Scoutmaster Shirley Larson, administered Jesse’s oath.
They were joined by Tom Miller of Dowagiac when all Eagles present made a chain by interlocking their arms.
Jesse escored his parents to the platform to “stand at his side as they always have during your advancement,” Shirley Larson stated.
Pat Rohacs read congratulatory letters from Scouting executives at the national and regional levels.