Fairfield, CT - The term “Boy Scout” often conjures up images of polite young men helping senior citizens across the street or sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows. Although no self-respecting scout would pass up these opportunities, today’s troops far surpass the quaint stereotype.
On Saturday, October 26, 2019, four outstanding young men earned the rank of Eagle Scout at Troop 199’s Court of Honor. The Eagles -- Senior Matthew Gifford, Junior Aidan Ellwanger and Sophomores Will and Peter Hinkle -- all students at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, gave speeches about their own journey to this distinguished position. A well known part of earning the Eagle rank is a service project organized, run and summarized in a comprehensive report by the applicant. While cub scouts often earn ranks as a group, the Eagle Project is 100% in the hands of the aspiring scout, including a detailed proposal and a series of interviews with adult scout leaders.
All four Eagles chose projects that will have long term benefits to the local environment. Both Aspetuck Land Trust and the Audubon Center were the recipients of new trails, restored fencing and replacement walkways that will serve future generations. State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey noted this common thread in the boys’ projects and commented on how this is a positive sign for our future that young people are concerned with preservation and sustainability.
First Selectman Mike Tetreau officially designated October 26, 2019 in honor of each of the new Eagle scouts. He went on to praise the boys for their individual accomplishments in scholarship, athletics and entrepreneurship. State Representatives Laura Devlin and Brenda Kupchick, along with McCarthy Vahey, stepped away from the campaign trail to attend the Court of Honor and deliver formal citations to the scouts on behalf of the Connecticut General Assembly.
It’s common knowledge that the rank of Eagle Scout comes with considerable effort, but beyond that, most are unfamiliar with the lengthy and varied requirements. There are five ranks to earn before Eagle and each one comes with its own set of increasingly difficult challenges. While 21 overall merit badges are required to qualify for Eagle, this includes 13 specific badges mandatory for Eagle candidates including Lifesaving, Emergency Preparedness and Environmental Science.
Founded in 1966, Boy Scout Troop 199 has a long history of producing Eagle Scouts, and is nearing its 100th inductee. The troop, led by Scoutmaster, Jim Muschett, is comprised of 60 Fairfield boys, ages 11 to 18. He is proud to share that this round of Eagle Scouts have logged a collective 1,153 service hours, earned 136 merit badges and hiked 770 miles on the Appalachian Trail and Philmont Reservation in New Mexico.
Saturday’s Court of Honor was attended by fellow scouts, many aspiring to the Eagle rank. Muschett proudly notes, “It’s rewarding to follow these boys as they navigate the road to Eagle scouts and then use these skills as they enter college and pursue careers.”
Fly, Eagles, fly!