Recent St. Joseph High School graduate and future Naval Academy midshipman John Norland was honored by city officials Monday after earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
Representing St. Joseph’s Troop 623, Norland was presented with a city-branded “Norland Street” sign by Mayor Laura Goos during the regular city commission meeting.
“We’re very pleased to congratulate you on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout,” Goos said. “Your dedication and spirit of service to your community, evidenced through your Eagle Scout service projects … is impressive. You’re joining a very select group who continue to make a positive difference in their communities as they grow into adulthood and begin their own families. We know you’re growing into a fine young man who will seek ways to contribute to your family, your community and your nation.”
Norland’s Eagle Scout project involved designing and installing a flag retirement drop box at the Elks Lodge in Benton Harbor.
“My project was derived from the sight of many tattered and worn American flags still flying on various flagpoles in the area,” he said. “I thought that I should take this opportunity to help make a bigger impact within the community.”
He said the Elks Lodge helped him out with funding, but overall the project was “grueling.”
“I think it was all worth it in the end,” Norland said. “We’ve collected a lot of flags and taught a lot of people about proper care and the proper retirement [of flags].”
Norland – who also works as a sailing instructor, played cello in the high school orchestra, played multiple sports and served in the Student Senate – is headed off to the U.S. Naval Academy later this month.
