Two Troop 45 Boy Scouts advance to highest rank of Eagle
WARWICK On May 5, Warwicks Boy Scouts of America Troop 45 advanced two more of its members to the rank of Eagle, raising the troops total of Eagle Scouts to 84 since it was first organized in 1960.
The statistics are remarkable since only about two percent of all scouts attain this rank, the highest one awarded in scouting.
Troop 45 presented the awards at an Eagle Court of Honor for Jared Olson, the son of Kevin and Alice Olson, and Peter Wajda, the son of Tom and Linda Wajda.
The well-attended event was held at the Warwick United Methodist Church on Forester Avenue.
Troop 45 Committee Chairman Clayton Eurich served as emcee. He has directed the Eagle Court program since 1971.
To achieve the Eagle Rank, the scouts were required to complete a minimum of 21 Merit Badges, have Leadership roles in and outside of the Troop and participate in Community Service. Each candidate must complete a major community service project as the last requirement before attaining the Eagle rank.
Community service projects For many years the Warwick Veterans Monument landscaping was damaged from flooding after heavy rains. Jared Olsons project was to secure the area surrounding the monument with pavers to maintain the borders of the flower bed and divert water away from plants, shrubs and mulch during rainstorms and minor flooding. A drainage system under the pavers will also redirect the water flow.
Peter Wajda built a much-needed pathway between the Albert Wisner Public Library and the Creekside Apartments, a 65 unit affordable housing complex.
The path is about 100 feet long and shortens the walking distance to and from the library from almost half a mile to just a few hundred feet.
Special materials were used to make the path wheelchair accessible.
In 2010, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) celebrated its 100th year of preparing young Americans to become exceptional adults.
- Roger Gavan