Cyphert becomes Eagle Scout

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BROOKINGS –  An Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony was held for Evan Cyphert at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish in Brookings on April 25.

Cyphert, 15, is a member of Brookings Boy Scout Troop 1, former member of Brookings Cub Scout Pack 4 (completing all ranks), and freshman at Brookings High School. He lives in Aurora with his parents, Keith and Shelly Cyphert, and has an older brother, Alex, also an Eagle Scout, living in Brookings.

Special guests attending this event were Evan’s paternal grandparents, John and Peggy Cyphert, Huron, and family friend, Neil Petik, Barney, North Dakota.

The Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout award is the highest honor that a Boy Scout can earn. The latest BSA data indicate approximately 8% of all Boy Scouts in 2019 earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

To earn this honor, Cyphert completed the 21 merit badge requirement: 13 required merit badges and eight elective badges. In addition, he completed six more merit badges for a total of 27 merit badges. He also needed to demonstrate Scout Spirit, be active in the troop and hold troop leadership roles, which he did as librarian, bugler, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. The main requirement he needed to accomplish was to organize and complete a service project that benefited the community.

Cyphert's Eagle project was planning and constructing two basketball racks and two yoga ball racks made out of PVC for St. Thomas More Catholic Parish. 

The church provided the project idea and funding with supplies bought from Lowes in Brookings. Evan was assisted by Troop 1 leaders Dave Hafenbreidel and Christopher Gross, and fellow Troop 1 Boy Scout, Christopher Gross Jr. After successful completion of his project and board of review, Cyphert's Eagle Scout project was approved on Sept. 22, 2020.

Cyphert's Eagle Scout Court of Honor commenced with a flag ceremony by the Boy Scouts of Troop 1. Master of Ceremonies Christopher Gross read the Eagle Charge and Challenge to Cyphert explaining the significance of the Eagle award and the responsibilities now bestowed upon him. 

Guest speaker Peter Bergmann described how responsible and motivated Cyphert is a pleasure to be around. Troop 1 Committee Chair Trudi Mofle read the Eagle certification and the Eagle award and neckerchief presentation was done by Scoutmaster Jason Prout. Cyphert then presented his parents with their Eagle Scout Mom and Dad pins. 

Mayor Keith Corbett read a proclamation designating April 25 as “Eagle Scout Evan Cyphert Day” in Brookings.

The ceremony closed with Cyphert thanking all who attended and those that helped him achieve his Eagle award. He acknowledged his parents, Troop 1 leaders and scouts.

Cyphert will continue his involvement with Troop 1 assisting younger scouts. He is looking forward to sharing his knowledge of scout skills and advising other scouts with their Eagle projects.

Troop 1 Boy Scouts Charter Organization is the Methodist Men’s Brotherhood associated with the First United Methodist Church in Brookings.