Featured Image above – Eagle Scouts Andrew Kister and Gavin Germain joined by their families during today’s Eagle Court of Honor
CONGRATULATIONS TO TWO YOUNG MEN FROM TROOP 431 ON EARNING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT
Lower Macungie PA June 7th, 2025 – Families and friends of BSA Troop 431 of East Texas, Pennsylvania celebrated the accomplishments of two young men who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Congratulations to Andrew Kister and Gavin Germain. In recognizing their achievements, this Eagle court of Honor also recognized the effort, sacrifice, and commitment it took to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Thank you both for everything you have done for your community and those around you while you followed the path to Eagle.
During the ceremony we heard from Scout leaders, Clergy members, the Emmaus High School’s Principal, retired United States Marine and Navy posts. Andrew and Gavin received proclamations from state Representative Day and state Senator Colemen.
In listening to the presenters speak about Andrew and Gavin there was a clear theme of not only doing what it takes to earn the rank of Eagle, rather both went beyond in service to their schools, churches, and communities.
These young men have proven themselves as leaders, they have proven they have the skills to carry them through all kinds of real-life situations. They have joined the ranks of men who have landed on the moon, lead men to victory in battle, who have saved a neighbor’s life, and have ensured our great nation has community members to live out the fundamentals on which our nation was founded.
The path to Eagle Scout is clearly defined, but like any good map it shows only the way. It does not fully express the conditions and strength required to get from one point to another. With grit and determination these scouts had to commit to learning skills and mental fortitude to reach the newly attained rank. Families supported and encouraged their scouts along the way. Scout leaders helped guide scouts from one rank to the next. The scouts learned about what it means to be a good citizen and interacted with their communities to help make them a better place.
Below is a little more about each of these amazing Eagle Scouts.
Andrew Kister, a senior at Emmaus High School, has been active in Scouting since joining March 12, 2020, in 7th grade.
With Troop 431, Andrew camped 78 nights and hiked 257 miles. He has held the positions of Scribe, Historian, Patrol Leader, Den Chief, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Assistant Scout Master. Outside of the troop he is the President of Venturing Crew 77. He attended High Adventure in 2024 at Summit Bechtel and will be going to Philmont Scout Ranch this summer as the Crew Leader. Outside of the troop he went to National Jamboree in 2023 and worked at Trexler Scout Reservation the same summer. Andrew is a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow and served as the Chapter Chief for the Lehigh District from 2023-2024. He was awarded Scout of the Quarter twice.
Outside of scouts, Andrew is a volunteer firefighter at Lower Macungie Fire Department’s Wescosville station. Andrew is an active volunteer at his church, Saint Thomas More. He works at Bear Creek Mountain Resort as a Lift Operator in the winters and is an avid snowboarder. He also enjoys going on outdoor trips with his friends.
Andrew is committed to Montana State University and will be majoring in Fish and Wildlife Ecology and Management with the goal of becoming a conservation scientist.
Eagle Project: Andrew built and installed bird boxes, deer feeders, and pollinator gardens for the Kindness Project in Emmaus. Over several weekends Andrew, Weston Holtzhafer, Brian Holtzhafer, and volunteers from the Kindness Project build the bird boxes and deer feeders along with caring for plants. During the final weekend he received help from scouts in the troop to install the bird boxes, deer feeder, and pollinator gardens. This project attracted wildlife to the property and made it more welcoming to the foster kids coming to the Kindness Project.
Gavin Germain, a senior at Emmaus High School, has been involved in Scouting since he was a Tiger Scout. Over the years with Troop 431, he has hiked 323 miles and spent 83 nights camping. Along the way, he has taken on multiple leadership roles, including patrol leader and troop guide, and even took part in the Philmont High Adventure trek.
At school, Gavin has been an active and engaged student, participating in a variety of clubs such as the Academic Team, Science Olympiad, and the school’s journalism program.
This fall, Gavin will attend Temple University to continue his academic journey.
Eagle Project: Gavin partnered with Mountainview Horse Rescue. He began by clearing out one of the rescue’s barns, then built and installed shelving units to help organize veterinary supplies and horse medicine. He also constructed a hook rack to neatly store horse tack and other equipment. His project not only supported the rescue’s mission but also helped create a more sustainable and functional space for volunteers and staff.
Thank you to everyone who attended today’s ceremony and thank you to Andrew and Gavin for being the amazing people they are. Your futures are so bright and I am proud to have been a part of your adventure in scouting.
YFIS,
ASM Joe Thompson
