Sunday I had the very rare opportunity of photograph not just two Boy Scout Eagle Courts, but two young me I have known for a dozen years.

At 2 pm, Jonathan Gilmore had his Eagle Court at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church in Newbury Park. Photo on left. He is a member of Troop 730 and the youngest of four brothers who now all have received the Eagle Scout rank.

I had the privilege of being Jonathan's Webelos den leader back in 2000-2002. Each of the three younger Gilmore boys were classmates of each of my three kids.

Benjamin Gilmore received his Eagle in 2002. Stephen Gilmore received his in 2003. Alexander Gilmore received his in 2007.

At 4 pm, I was off to Kevin Staley's Eagle Court of Honor, below, at his Newbury Park home. Kevin has played soccer with my boys for years, including the last two years on the Newbury Park High School varsity.

Kevin is a member of Troop 754 in Newbury Park. I especially loved his Eagle Project. He organized and rebuilt the Newbury Park High School's Visual Arts Department (photography) storage room. Some thirty years of old photography junk was in the storage room. Maybe he should have done my garage.

Thousand Oaks Mayor Tom Clancy attended both Eagle Courts and gave Jonathan and Kevin commendations from the City.

Both boys will be graduating Friday with my son Nick from Newbury Park High School.

Congratulations!


Kevin Staley, center, surrounded by friends before start of his Eagle Court.


Kevin chasing down a ball during Newbury Park Varsity soccer this last season.


Jonathan Gilmore, front left, in 2002 photo with his brothers Alex, Ben and Stephen. All four are now Eagle Scouts from Newbury Park Troop 730.

Jon Gilmore Dotphoto Eagle Court of Honor

Kevin Staley Dotphoto Eagle Court of Honor