Newtown Boy Scout Troop 270, sponsored by Newtown Congregational Church, recently honored and recognized Justin Cicarelli its 97th Eagle Scout.

Family, friends, and members of Troop 270 attended the ceremony on November 25, when Justin received scouting's highest award. The audience included Steve Agnew, Scatacook District chair for the Connecticut Yankee Council/Boy Scouts of America; and Connecticut State Representative Mitch Bolinsky. Several other local and national government leaders forwarded letters of recognition.

These were displayed alongside photos of Justin's Eagle project: the completion of a garden honoring the victims of 12/14 behind Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown.

Justin joined Boy Scout Troop 270 in 2010.

Robert Cicarelli, Scoutmaster for Troop 270, stated: "As Justin's Scoutmaster and as his dad, I am exceedingly proud of his accomplishment. But then again, given Justin's tenacity and his character, I've always known he was destined to be an Eagle."

Notably, Mr Cicarelli achieved Eagle Scout status in 1982.

Justin attended Newtown High School where he achieved High Honors. He was involved in a number of activities including DECA and Student Government, where he ran the blood drive among other things.

His interest in medicine prompted him to become involved in the Western Connecticut Regional Medical Internship Program, and he participated in successive internships at Dental Associates and a local dermatology office.

Justin graduated from Newtown High School in June, and is now attending Drexel University in Philadelphia, where he is majoring in biology, and contemplating medical school.