During a recent ceremony at Middletown United Methodist Church, Ryan Belle, Matthew Decker, Daniel DeSanctis and Daniel Johnson were honored for attaining the ranks of Eagle Scout – which is scouting’s highest honor.
Boy Scouts of America Troop 32’s leadership, Boy Scouts of America Monmouth Council and local dignitaries, including Middletown Township Councilwoman Patricia Snell, Scouts, family, and friends gathered to honor the four Scouts at their Eagle Court of Honor.
Eagle Scout represents the highest levels of citizenship, leadership, and responsibility in Scouting, according to a press release.
Eagle Scouts involves earning at least 21 merit badges, which include 13 required badges and elective merit badges, serving in troop leadership positions, and spending at least 12 hours on service projects. These tasks are completed in addition to planning and implementing an Eagle Scout service project, which benefits the community.
Collectively, the four Scouts have earned more than 100 merit badges. Individually, each Scout spent at least 112 hours on service projects, according to the press release.
“These new Eagle Scouts are fine examples of what hard work, dedication, commitment, and compassion can accomplish. They inspire others to get involved and are an inspiration for us all in their goals. We look forward to watching them grow and continue to give back to our community,” said Nick Gizzi, Scoutmaster at Troop 32.
Belle will graduate from Middletown High School South this spring. He plans to attend college in the fall and major in history. He has served as a Patrol Leader and an Assistant Patrol Leader, as well as earning the Arrow of Light and Totin Chip.
His Eagle project involved building and painting picnic tables, benches and landscaping at HABcore at its Beachwood location. HABcore provides temporary and permanent housing for struggling families.
Decker is a junior at Middletown High School South. He plans to attend West Point Military Academy or Annapolis Naval Academy. Matthew has served as Troop Guide, Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Den Chief, and has earned the Order of the Arrow, Den Chief Award, Firem’n Chit, Totin Chip, and Arrow of Light.
Decker’s Eagle Scout project involved refurbishing and painting the guardrail which runs along the driveway of the Oasis Foundation – a farm for adults with special needs. His project involved creating two crushed stone pull-off areas along the driveway for easy car access in both directions.
DeSanctis will graduate from Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft this spring. He plans to attend college in the fall and study business administration and real estate development. Daniel has served as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Assistant Patrol Leader and earned the Arrow of Light and Totin Chip.
His Eagle Scout Project involved designing and building a wheelchair accessible patio at De La Salle Hall, a nursing home and retirement facility for retired LaSallian Brothers.
Johnson will graduate from Middletown High School South this spring. He plans to attend college in the fall and study government/political science. He then plans to continue his education in law school.
Johnson has served as Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, and Patrol Leader and earned the Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, World Conservation, Stand-up Paddleboarding, Totin Chip, and Arrow of Light.
His Eagle Scout Project involved the renovation of Middletown High School South’s band snack shack. The building’s exterior was power washed, primed, and painted in the school colors. Two picnic tables with benches were constructed, the condiment stand was painted and a granite top added.