By David Kilby, Staff Writer
CRANBURY — Michael Brennan, of Cranbury, was awarded his Eagle Scout medal at a Court of Honor, held Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury.
Cranbury Boy Scout Troop 52 Scoutmaster George Conley and former Scoutmaster John Kirkenir led the ceremony that celebrated both the Eagle Scout tradition and Mr. Brennan’s individual path to becoming one.
New Jersey State Sen. Linda Greenstein also attended the Court of Honor, presenting Mr. Brennan with a joint legislative resolution from the state Senate and Assembly, commending him for his outstanding record of service, leadership and accomplishment.
For his Eagle Scout project, Mr. Brennan built a two-lane 100-meter cinder track for the Cranbury School. As a former student there and a member of its track team, Mr. Brennan recognized the need for a safe practice surface and resolved to do something about it.
He presented his concept to the Cranbury Township Board of Education in January 2009, and the board supported his project.
In order to raise the funds necessary for the construction of the track, Mr. Brennan hosted a 5K run in Cranbury in August 2009, which raised more than $5,000.
Mr. Brennan’s entire project, including the fundraiser and construction, required supervision of more than 360 volunteer hours and was completed in time for the school’s 2010 spring track season.
Within his family, Mr. Brennan is a third-generation Eagle Scout, joining his father, Frank J. Brennan III, of Cranbury; three uncles, Patrick S. Brennan, of Cream Ridge, Kevin R. Brennan, of Westwood, and Timothy M. Brennan, of Cranbury, and his grandfather, Frank J. Brennan Jr., of Cranbury.
According to the Central New Jersey Council of the Boy Scouts of America, only 4 percent of the young men that enter Scouting achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. The Court of Honor incorporated the Brennan family Scouting tradition into the program with each of the family Eagle Scouts performing key roles in the ceremony.
Mr. Brennan is a freshman at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York, where he is studying English and studio art.
”There’s a tremendous benefit to the Boy Scout program,” said Beth Brennan, Mr. Brennan’s mother. “They learn a lot of useful skills.”
Mr. Brennan explained the motivation behind choosing to fix the track for his Eagle Scout project.
”I remember how hard it was to practice without good tracks to run on,” Mr. Brennan said, especially since he did hurdles on the track when he played for the Cranbury track team.
Joseph Stasi, of Stasi and Company, helped with the construction of the new track, Mr. Brennan said.
”He donated a lot of time to excavate the area. He helped with the knowledge and know how,” Mr. Brennan said of Mr. Stasi.
Mr. Brennan mentioned a few things he’ll remember about Scouts.
”The 5K fundraiser was a really special memory” Mr. Brennan said. “It was just a great day when everyone came together. A lot of people came and helped whether they were runners or volunteers. We just had a lot of support.”

