EAGLE SCOUT MICHAEL LAND Michael Land was recognized on April 14 at a Court of Honor held at Danburg Baptist Church for his accomplishments toward becoming an Eagle Scout. Over 75 members of the church, community, family, and friends joined Land for the very special occasion.

Land began his scouting journey in the first grade when he joined Cub Scout Pack 328 as a Tiger Cub while living in Madison County. He completed all Cub Scouting ranks with the exception of the Wolf rank before earning Cub Scouting's highest rank, the Arrow of Light.

In 2000 he crossed over to Boy Scout Troop 328 where he enjoyed many years of camping, fishing, hiking, and other numerous scouting activities while earning the ranks on his trail to become an Eagle. He served in many troop positions such as cheer master, assistant patrol leader, patrol leader and senior patrol leader. Land completed 32 merit badges and spent over 275 hours working in the community on service projects such as adopt-a-highway trash pick-up, river's alive clean-up, Relay for Life, Christmas tree recycling, and his eagle project. Michael was the Madison County Clean and Beautiful Commission's Scout of the Year in 2005.

Land's Eagle project was two- fold. The first part of his project was the purchase, installation, and painting of handrails on the back entrance of Danburg Baptist Church and on three doors of the fellowship hall. The second part of the project was to secure donations and have a granite bench installed at the church in memory of his grandmother, Joyce Wolfe Moore. Additionally, he secured donations and installed a beautiful concrete angel beside the bench.

Land, along with five Scouts from Madison County Troop 328, scoutmaster Greg Ledford, and assistant scoutmaster and father of the scout, Troy Land, took part in the ceremony. The ceremony was very moving and highlighted many scouting memories as well as accomplishments. After awarding Land's Eagle Badge, Scoutmaster Greg Ledford honored him with the leadership role of assistant scoutmaster. Land recognized and thanked eagle project contributors, leaders, and fellow scouts who were positive influences during his past 12 years in scouting. He named Mary Jane Ledford of Madison County as his mentor for her many years of selfless service to the troop.

After the ceremony, guests joined Land and his family in the church fellowship hall, which was decorated in a patriotic picnic theme, for a dinner of barbecued chicken, Brunswick stew, potato salad, slaw, and baked beans. Land's aunt, Mae Dell Huff of Athens, prepared numerous cakes for the celebration. Greg Rogers, a family friend, prepared the chicken and barbecue sauce. The rest of the menu was prepared by Lin and Troy Land.

Michael is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Troy Land of Danburg. He is the grandson of Janette Land and the late Tom Land of Washington and of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Moore of Niece, and the late Joyce Moore of Danburg. He is the great-grandson of Mazel Wolfe of Danburg.