HOWELL — Evan Pierri of Howell, a member of St. Veronica’s Boy Scout Troop 300, earned Scouting’s highest rank of achievement, the Eagle award.
His Court of Honor was held on Dec. 28 at St. Veronica’s. Presiding Scoutmaster John Guarini conducted the ceremony.
Pierri has been a member of Troop 300 since 1996 when he bridged from St. Veronica’s Cub Scout Pack 300 after achieving the Arrow of Light, which is Cub Scouting’s highest rank of achievement. He is a senior at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, and hopes to attend Rider University, Lawrenceville, next fall as a business major.
He has served his troop in many capacities including patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, chaplain’s aide, historian, troop guide, quartermaster and is currently a patrol leader. In addition to the 21 required merit badges necessary to achieve the rank of Eagle, Pierri has earned 27 others for a total of 48 merit badges.
The Eagle service project that he completed was the construction of a new walkway behind St. Veronica’s school near a playground area.
The old walkway flooded during the rain and the children using this exit from the after-school program were getting soaked feet each time it rained. The new walkway resolved this problem. The coordination of 16 Scouts, 10 adults and three Eagle Scouts as well as the procurement of equipment and supplies that were necessary to complete the work demonstrated the leadership skills necessary to fulfill the Eagle project requirements.
In addition to a bake sale held at St. Veronica’s for basic funding, several area businesses played a part in providing use of equipment, supplies or discounts. They are Puglisi Egg Farm, Howell; Mr. Fence, Freehold; and The Home Depot of Howell.
Pierri summed up his advice to younger Scouts, saying, "Make sure you always enjoy what you’re doing and have fun. You’ll develop the leadership and Scouting skills if you stay focused."