Story and photos by Lisa Carolin
The evening of Monday, Sept. 28 was an emotional one for Boy Scout Troop 425. Mark Schroeder stepped down as scoutmaster and handed the reins to his assistant of more than nine years, Ian Boone.
“This has been the greatest gift to me,” said Schroeder. “I’ll miss the boys the most. Ian is the perfect replacement.”
Boone, who is also president of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, told the crowd gathered for the Fall Court of Honor at the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club, “Mark taught me so much. Thank you for this being such a wonderful learning experience. We are going to continue it.”
Schroeder says that the reason he decided to step down after 20 years is that his family will be moving to Florida within the year. He will stay on and help with Troop 425 until then.
Schroeder has been battling oral cancer and underwent surgery and treatment. He told those in attendance, “I finished my treatments last week and I feel great.”
In addition to presenting individual scouts with merit badges, Schroeder gave special recognition to Scout Michael Hanna, who during the summer led a can collection drive to raise money to help Schroeder.
There was also a presentation by Whitetails Unlimited, a national nonprofit conservation organization, which donated $5,000 to Troop 425.
Local Whitetails Unlimited Co-chairman James Bollinger said, “We approached the leaders a few months ago and came up with a list of items. We have chosen to fund some of that.”
The money will go toward tents, cooking equipment and other outdoor gear.
Troop 425 has been around for 90 years and currently has 48 scouts, 11-18 years of age.
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