The Spirit of the Eagle Award was presented posthumously to honor Rémy Pettengill during the Kennebec Valley District Scout Leaders’ Recognition Dinner, held March 11 at the Winslow Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall. From left are Luanne Chesley with Troop 479 leaders Sam Boynton and Christian Hunter, and Troop 479 Scouts Isaac Audette, Tad Dow, Kameron Rossignol, Mike Choate, Nathan Choate and Brady Newell. Submitted photo

Rémy Joel Pettengill was honored posthumously with the Spirit of the Eagle Award during the Kennebec Valley District Scout Leaders’ Recognition Dinner, held March 11 at the Winslow Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall with his fellow Scouts on hand to receive the award.

The award was presented by Luanne Chesley of Vassalboro, Kennebec Valley District Advancement chair.

The Boy Scouts of America created the Spirit of the Eagle Award as an honorary, posthumous recognition of a registered youth member who has lost his or her life in an accident or through illness. Pettengill, 17, died Jan. 7, following a car accident on Dec. 30, 2022.

The award is bestowed by the National Court of Honor as part of the celebration of Pettengill’s life. It recognizes the joy, happiness, and life-fulfilling experiences the Scouting program made in his life. The intention is also to help heal and comfort the youth member’s family and other loved ones over their loss, according to a news release from Chuck Mahaleris, district chairman for the Kennebec Valley District of Scouting.

Because the Scouting program was so appreciated, loved, and enjoyed by Pettengill, this award will serve as a reflection of the family’s and friends’ wishes as a final salute and tribute to their departed loved one.

Part of a message from the Pettengill family was shared at the dinner: “Each day Rémy walked this Earth, he greeted friends and strangers with a smile. He was a voice for those who could not find their own, he protected the weak, he championed the underdog, and he helped those in need. Please remember him with joy. Help Rémy continue his legacy — be kind to one another, hold the door open, smile, and care for those you know and even those you don’t. Love, laugh, live life to its fullest, and wear crazy socks!”

Pettengill was Senior Patrol Leader of Scout Troop 479 in China and a student at Erskine Academy. He was proud of attaining Eagle Scout rank, becoming both an American Red Cross Lifeguard and a BSA Lifeguard, assisting to coach his brother’s middle school track team, working at Camp Bomazeen, and volunteering with China Masonic Lodge No. 45. He was a member of the Erskine Track Team, National Honor Society, and the BSA Order of the Arrow — Madockawanda Lodge.

“Rémy was their leader,” said Kennebec Valley District and Troop 479 Committee member Ron Emery. “He was the person each of the Scouts in the troop looked to to help guide the way. It is appropriate that they should receive the award honoring their Senior Patrol Leader and friend.”

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