Eagle Scout Court of Honor

Unit 305 proudly convened the Eagle Court of Honor at St. Stephen’s Church in Kearny on Sunday afternoon, May 16, 2021, to celebrate the accomplishments of five Eagle Scouts. In order of earning the highest rank in scouting, Nathaniel Jablonski, Jonathan Reverendo, Carlos Ascensao, Eliot Jablonski, and John Dec were praised for their hard work, dedication, and example of how to live the Scout Oath and Law. Each shared personal remarks in a thoughtful reflection of their individual journeys and expressed gratitude for assistance along the way. They were challenged further to accept the Eagle Charge to reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of scouting.

All five of these young men are recognized leaders within their schools and parish in addition to the Pack/Troop of Unit 305. Over their collective years from Cub to Boy Scouts, these Eagles have held more than 19 leadership positions. During their Trail to Eagle, they earned 164 merit badges, advanced 35 ranks, led 5 service projects, summited Mount Washington in a high adventure trip, and contributed hundreds of hours to the service work of their fellow scouts.

The Kearny community has benefited greatly from their Eagle Scout Service Projects. Working alongside their fellow scouts, leaders, and families, these young men:

• Developed the General Philip Kearny Memorial Town Tour with commemorative patch and medal and audio recording,

• Rejuvenated St. Stephen’s Hedges Hall, the largest meeting space in Kearny,

• Constructed the St. Michael’s conference room at St. Stephen’s Church for use by many organizations,

• Rehabilitated over 700 gravestones of buried soldiers within the Soldier’s Circle at Arlington Cemetery in Kearny, and

• Refurbished the kitchen at the Kearny Fire Department headquarters.

In true Eagle fashion, the journey of service continues for the five newest members as Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop Guide, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. These young men will be active examples as they guide their fellow scouts in pursuit of scouting’s highest rank.

Unit 305 thanks the following professionals for their contribution to the Eagle Court of Honor: Robert Maidhof, Jerry Ficeto, Edward Gattsek, Brandi-Leigh Enfinger Miller, David Nelson, Barbara Goldberg, Matthew Schirm, Mayor Alberto Santos, and Fr. Joseph Mancini.

Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is one of the most challenging aspects of Scouting. Only approximately 4% of all Scouts merit this prestigious recognition. In addition to earning a minimum of 21 merit badges, including 13 required ones, scouts must complete an extensive community service project that benefits an organization other than the Boy Scouts of America. The Eagle candidate is expected to plan, fundraise, secure materials, and oversee the execution of a completed project, including managing scout leaders and fellow scouts in leadership activities throughout the endeavor.