THIBODAUX – Nicholls State University will observe the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America on Monday, Feb. 8, with a multi-part ceremony. The public is invited to attend.
Scouts and leaders of the Bayou District will begin the observance at 5:15 p.m. with a centennial oak tree planting in the university president’s front yard on Louisiana Highway 1, replacing trees destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav. The new tree, donated by Chackbay Nursery, will be one of 13 to be planted this year in each parish of the Boy Scouts’ Southeast Louisiana Council.
Following the tree planting, scouts who are children of Nicholls employees will lower the flag in front of Elkins Hall, signifying the close of the Boy Scouts’ first 100 years. Attendees will then go to the first floor of Ellender Memorial Library to view a Boy Scouts exhibit, which will remain on display until the end of February, and listen to guest speakers.
Finally, participants will return to the flagpole and raise the flag to symbolically welcome the second century of the Boy Scouts.
“Nicholls has worked with scouting in the past by hosting meeting places and overnight campsites – and by allowing scouts and their families into athletics events free of charge,” said Kelly Rodrigue, Bayou District Commissioner of the Southeast Louisiana Council and Nicholls registrar. “Now, scouting is able to do something for Nicholls in return. Those driving by the university will be able to see our relationship flourish for years to come.”
