Two More Young Men Have Attained

The Rank Of Eagle Scout

 Troop 770, which is sponsored by St Rose of Lima Catholic Church, proudly awarded the rank of Eagle Scout to Stephen Gardner and Ian McEmber during a recent ceremony at St Rose Church. Monsignor Bob Weiss gave the convocation and Assistant Scoutmaster Mike Ryan presided over the ceremony with the assistance of Senior Patrol Leader Kevin Milot. Newtown First Selectman Joe Borst was the keynote speaker.

Other Eagle Scouts who participated in the ceremony were Chris Locke, Joe Tarshis, Zachary Klein, and Bob Milot. Representing the BSA Connecticut Yankee Council was District Executive Frank Considine.

A Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills to earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in scouting. The fact that a boy has earned his Eagle carries with it a special significance, in scouting and in the worlds of higher education, business, industry, and, notably, in community services. Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about two per cent of all Boy Scouts do so.

The award is a performance-based achievement with many subjects to master with demonstrated proficiency to obtain merit badges. There are many options within the merit badges, but a core set is required for Eagle rank. Additionally, during his years as a Boy Scout, the scout must pass six adult review boards to ensure that all requirements are met and that he is eligible for the next rank. To achieve the Eagle rank, the boy must demonstrate superior leadership skills and must complete a significant community service project.

Stephen Gardner

Stephen began his career in scouting as a Tiger Cub in Pack 170. He advanced through the ranks, eventually earning his Arrow of Light award. He joined Troop 770 in the fall 2002. He has been very active in the troop, serving as patrol leader, senior patrol leader, and instructor. He was also the first scout from Troop 770 to be inducted into the Order of the Arrow, and is currently a Brotherhood member of that organization.

Outside of scouting, Stephen has trained in Tae Kwon Do for the past nine years and possesses a third-degree black belt. He also serves as a member of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company. Stephen is a senior at Newtown High School and is a member of the varsity wrestling team.

Stephen’s Eagle project consisted of creating an additional segment to Al’s Trail, the well-known hiking trail in Newtown. He planned and designed the trail, assembled a team of more than 15 boys and adults, and managed the activities of the team as its members removed many large fallen trees, underbrush, and thorn bushes and marked the trail appropriately for the use of all in Newtown.

Ian McEmber

Ian also began his career in scouting as a Tiger Cub in Pack 170, advancing through the ranks to earn his Arrow of Light award. He joined Troop 770 in autumn 2002 and has been very active in the troop, serving as patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, and instructor.

Outside of scouting, Ian has volunteered in the Bridgeport inner city, including work projects at the Daughters of Charity, Bridgeport Community Center, and St Ann’s Parish. Ian was awarded the Citizenship Award by the State of Connecticut for community service. Ian is also a passionate player on the Fairfield Prep Junior Varsity Rugby team, which is ranked fifth in the Northeast. Ian is a Eucharistic minister at St Rose.

Ian’s Eagle project consisted of erecting a chain link fence around the St Rose preschool area. This turned out to be a much larger project than initially envisioned, with Ian doing the design and layout of the fence. He needed to estimate the supplies needed, to shop and negotiate for the best source of materials, to work with the staff at St Rose for the funding of the materials, and to coordinate and manage the many volunteers who worked to construct the fence over 400 man hours in a three-week period.