Local Scouts Awarded Eagle Rank at Double Court of Honor

William Flaim of Leonia, NJ and Philip Longo, of Palisades Park, NJ, members of Leonia Boy Scout Troop 71 received their Eagle Scout Rank at a double Eagle Court of Honor held at St. John the Evangelist Church, Leonia, NJ on Saturday, October 30th. Only two out of every 100 boy scouts attain the rank of Eagle or approximately 2.5% of all young men who participate in the BSA scouting program. This represents more than one million boy scouts who have earned the rank since 1911.

Leonia, NJ, December 06, 2010 --(PR.com)-- William Flaim of Leonia, NJ and Philip Longo, of Palisades Park, NJ, members of Leonia Boy Scout Troop 71 received their Eagle Scout Rank at a double Eagle Court of Honor held at St. John the Evangelist Church, Leonia, NJ on Saturday, October 30th.

William and Philip have been active in Boy Scouts for over 10 years. William is currently in his freshman year at New Jersey City University where he is studying music and Criminal Justice and Philip is in the Automotive Technician training program at Lincoln Technical Institute. Both have held a variety of leadership positions in Troop 71 and are currently serving in the Troop as Assistant Scoutmasters.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in scouting, William and Philip were each required to fulfill requirements in the area of leadership, community service and outdoor skills. While there are many options available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks – Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and ultimately Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must complete specific tasks, which are organized by requirements and merit badges. Merit badges signify the mastery of certain skills and general knowledge including First Aid, Citizenship in the Community and Public Speaking. Of the more than 150 merit badges available, at least 21 must be earned to qualify for Eagle Scout.

Also a part of the Eagle requirement, each Scout completed an Eagle Scout service project. William’s project was to refurbish an outdoor worship area and meditation garden for Holy Spirit Lutheran Church and the surrounding community. Philip worked with the Palisades Fire Department attaching markers to fire hydrants and painting the Maltese Cross adjacent to the marked hydrants for the safety of school children and others in community of Palisades Park. Both young men had to create a budget, raise funds, purchase materials and finally organize and lead a team of Scouts, parents and friends to complete their projects. It is estimated that William’s and Philip’s projects comprised, collectively over 700 hours of community service.

Only two out of every 100 boy scouts attain the rank of Eagle or approximately 2.5% of all young men who participate in the BSA scouting program. This represents more than one million boy scouts who have earned the rank since 1911. Saturday’s Court of Honor was well attended by family, friends and a variety of local dignitaries and distinguished guests. NJ Senator Loretta Weinberg presented each Eagle Scout with a State of NJ joint legislative resolution and Dt. Lieutenant Thomas Rowe presented both young men a plaque on behalf of the Leonia Police Department. The boys also received many messages and letters of congratulations including those from former presidents, including George W. Bush and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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Leonia Troop 71
Bernadette Flaim
201-947-6957
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