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Grafton – On Oct. 21, Grafton BSA Troop 107 honored five of its scouts with the organization’s highest rank – Eagle Scout. The ceremony, held at Grafton High School, showcased the years of dedication invested in Scouting by Daniel Bartosiewicz, Owen Frank, Adam Jones, John Renzoni and Matthew Whitney. They join 78 previous troop members who have achieved this impressive honor.
Danny earned 31 merit badges, including “search and rescue” and “emergency preparedness,” as well as his bronze and gold palms. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s honor society. For his Eagle project, he renovated a garden used by the special education program at Grafton Middle School. Scouting highlights included trips to West Point and the Florida Sea Base high adventure. He attends Wentworth Institute of Technology for construction management.
Owen’s 24 merit badges included “mountain biking” and “first aid,” as well as his BSA Certification in snorkeling. He rebuilt a trail and installed erosion-controlling water bars at Mass. Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary in Worcester for his Eagle project. He especially enjoyed his high adventure trips to Seabase and the Philmont Ranch in New Mexico. He plans to major in biology next fall.
“Entrepreneurship” and “inventing” were two of Adam’s 42 merit badges. He was also inducted into the Order of the Arrow. For his Eagle project, he restored a section of the Piggery Trail at Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary including building two footbridges. He attended National Youth Leadership Training, a trip to Washington D.C., and High Adventure outings to Sea Base and Philmont. Adam plans to major in business, with a focus on entrepreneurship next fall.
John earned 44 merit badges including “cycling” and “communication” as well as his gold, silver, and bronze palms. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow. John located and documented veteran’s graves in the Fairview Cemetery in Grafton for his Eagle project. Great memories for him include trips to West Point, Philmont and Seabase. John is studying mechanical engineering at UMass Dartmouth.
“Small boat sailing” and “environmental science” were among Matthew’s favorite 40 merit badges, and he was inducted into the Order of the Arrow. For his Eagle project, he built a footbridge at the Grafton Lions Club property, dedicated to the late John King, past troop Scoutmaster. He enjoyed attending a National Youth Leadership training, as well as trips to Washington, D.C., and Seabase. Matthew plans to study hospitality and hotel management next fall.
Scouting also promotes achievement in other areas of these young adults’ lives. These newest Eagle Scouts also make the honor roll, belong to the National Honor Society, compete in lacrosse, track and soccer, volunteer with Best Buddies, participate in theater, tutor students and hold down jobs while in school.
Each of these Scouts credits their family, friends, fellow Scouts, Scout leaders, and community members who supported them.
“I plan on continuing my involvement in Scouting as well as my community,” Owen said.
If you are interested in joining Troop 107 or would like more information about troop events, contact [email protected].
