09/04/2026
Samuel Hostler Awarded Rank of Eagle Scout
By Kay Poeth
Samuel D. Hostler of Middleburg Boy Scout Troop 415 was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on July 26, 2026, during an Eagle Scout Court of Honor held at Grace Covenant Community Church. Samuel is the 80th scout to earn the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 415. The ceremony was witnessed by family, friends, and the Scouting community.
Scoutmaster Jaimee Fisher gave the Call to Order. Troop 415 performed the Presentation of Colors. Ethan Bobb led the Pledge of Allegiance. Troop recited the Scout Oath where a Scout promises upon his honor to do his best to do his duty, first to God and his country; second, to other people, by helping them at all times; and third, to himself, by keeping himself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. This was followed by the Troop reciting the Scout Law: A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
Kyle Boonie acted as Master of Ceremonies. David Boonie offered the Opening Prayer. Jayden White and Andrew Hostler were honored to perform the Scout Law and Trail to Eagle during the ceremony. A slideshow provided an overview of Samuel’s scouting experience. Samuel earned 43 Merit Badges.
Chip McCommons was the guest speaker. He spoke about the scouting journey. First is learning about scouting. Then, it is about applying the scout oath and law in the journey from being a boy to becoming a man. Next, is leading and following the voice of God. “Your greatest challenge is ahead. Will you choose to follow the voice of God, be a man of God, the prophet of God? Samuel, the choice is yours.”
The Eagle Charge was presented by Parker Boop. Scoutmaster Jaimee Fisher presented the Eagle Award to Samuel. Samuel’ parents pinned the Eagle badge onto their son’s uniform. After that, Samuel presented the Mother and Father pins to his parents, Jennifer and William.
During his Remarks, Samuel noted that he was proud that the boys that joined scouts when he did, all earned their Eagle Scout rank. Samuel then presented his mentor pins. He described how his mentors inspired his scout journey and positively impacted his life.
He first recognized his father as someone he can count on when he is down or needs help. He aspires to be the kind of man his father is. “You've taught me most everything you could so far, but most importantly you've taught me lessons come from failure, and that some things can't be taught but need to be learned through a hard time.”
“Pappy has also taught me many skills I've needed to learn in life, especially skills like patience…I've learned to not give up after one failure, and to try, and try again.”
Sierra Zeigler was his youth leader. “You've seen me grow spiritually as you've helped guide me through my relationship with God… I would love to be able to spread God daily while having joy in my heart just as you do.”
Chris Trego is like a second father to Samuel. “Chris helped me to be a better leader, and taught me that I can be a leader by putting me in situations where I get to decide the outcome, for better or for worse.”
Scoutmaster Jaimee Fisher delivered her Leader’s Remarks noting that “Samuel has a compassion for people, not only in Scouting but in the community as well. Whether helping the homeless in the Harrisburg community of Allison Hill or combining his love for computers and video games and helping to run the sound board at his church on a regular basis.”
Scoutmaster Fisher continued, “Those skills are important in today’s society, where it’s getting harder and harder to find volunteers to step up and offer a lending hand. In true Eagle Scout fashion, Samuel is leading by example and helping his fellow man.”
Samuel received a certificate from Rep. David Rowe, the Snyder County Commissioners, Teresa Knepp representing the Kiwanis Club of Middleburg, and Penny Billheim from the SV Marine Corps League Detachment 308.
David Boonie gave the Closing Prayer. The Colors were Retired by Troop 415.
For Samuel’s Eagle Scout project, he raised awareness of homelessness in the area by camping out in Middleburg and collecting donations. He then created 100 duffle bags to distribute to individuals in need.
Working with Grace Covenant Community Church that is the host of the non-profit HUB Mission, he designed his community service project. He set up collection bins at local churches for throw blankets, first aid kits, hand heaters, beanies, razors, deodorant, feminine products, toilet paper, batteries, portable chargers, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, baby wipes, small containers, and $5 Dunkin Donuts gift cards.
After the 100 duffel bags were filled, they were loaded into HUB Missions van to be handed out to homeless population in Harrisburg.
His citation from the House of Representatives states, “Through initiative and by his personal example, Samuel is a testament to the virtues of duty and citizenship that he has so genuinely and readily displayed.”
Samuel joins an elite group of young men who have earned the Eagle rank and have made the Scout Oath and Law a part of their character. The first Eagle rank was awarded in 1912 and less than 4% of Scouts ever achieve Scouting’s highest honor. Many of our nation’s greatest leaders in government, business, science, and the community are Eagle Scouts. The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most recognizable value-based organizations. Its programs are designed to build character and leadership, teach active citizenship, and to encourage personal fitness.
Samuel is a 2026 graduate of Midd-West High School. He will attend Penn College of Technology in the Fall of 2026, majoring in Cybersecurity.
Samuel is the son of William and Jennifer Hostler of Middleburg. They are very proud of their son. “It was a pleasure to watch Samuel come up with and see this Eagle Scout project to completion. The leadership qualities that he learned through Scouts and life really came in to play as he served the people around him.”
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Samuel Hostler of Middleburg Boy Scout Troop 415 was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on July 26, 2026 during an Eagle Scout Court of Honor held at Grace Covenant Community Church.
