Kevin Lassiter earns rank of Eagle Scout

POMEROY–Kevin Leslie Lassiter, a recent local graduate, received his Eagle scout rank on June 20, 2020 at the Genesee Senior Center, Genesee, Idaho. Due to COVID restriction, paperwork and scheduling delays, he was finally able to have his Court of Honor. Lassiter is the son of Aletha (Falen) Lassiter of Pullman and Richard Lassiter of Pomeroy. He is the grandson of Kevin McDonnell, general manager of Four-Star Supply.

Lassiter is a third generation Eagle scout. The family scouting history began with close family friend, Maynard Fosberg, who received his Eagle scout in 1935 and mentored Lassiter's uncle Eric Falen (1987) to Eagle rank. His great uncle, Gary Gridley, received his Eagle in 1961 and his cousins, Kelvin Falen (1987) and Nathan Falen (2017), are also Eagle Scouts. This family is proud of him for continuing the scouting legacy.

Josh Paparazoo was the Master of Ceremony for the afternoon and presented the Eagle scout scarf to Lassiter from Troop 345. Scouts Charles Lassiter, Nathan Falen and Cathan Shelly presented the flags and did the lighting of scouting spirit candles. Nathan Falen recited the Eagle charge to Kevin. Aletha Lassiter, Kevin's mother, placed his Eagle medal on his scout shirt and presented Kevin plaques for his Eagle scout trail, National Eagle certificate and National Eagle Association as well as membership cards. Mentor pins were given by Kevin to Mark Feltis, former scout leader Troop 427, and to grandmother Anita (Gridley) Falen.

Lassiter started his trail to become an Eagle scout with Pullman Troop 427 (2011). In 2013, he transferred to the Moscow Methodist Troop 345. He earned 24 merit badges and passed his Eagle board of review August 29, 2019. Tadd and Wendy Wheeler, Troop 345 scout leaders, were integral in helping him finish his Eagle trail.

Lassiter's Eagle project was to assist members of the Latah Pomona Grange Park at 1225 Grange Park Road, Princeton, Idaho, to renovate its seven-acre property so it could be used safely for outings and secured from vandalism. With the help of scouts, leaders, family and friends (491 hours total) he completed three phases of his Eagle project with 26 workers. The renovation included a gate system and fencing at the entrance to the property with new signs and a secure locking system. Eight slash piles were burned along with general clean-up. The biggest project was moving an outhouse to a new location. The details for this project was in the digging and construction of a new roof and door. With paint and new fixtures, the project was completed.

The Latah Pomona property can now be used for outings like in the 1970s, when over 500 Grange members enjoyed the Fourth of July at the property. Lassiter appreciated his support team from Troop 345, scout leaders Tadd and Wendy Wheeler and his family for helping him finish his Eagle project before his senior year started at Pomeroy High School.

Lassiter has been working part time for AB Cleaning Services at Pomeroy and plans to attend Walla Walla Community College in the fall.