Five earn Eagle Scout rank
Matthew W. Kurtz, Justin David Wrubel, Aidan Alexander Allridge, Thomas D. Donihi and Joshua Adam Zahniser of Scout Troop 215 in Bethel Park were recognized for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in a Court of Honor ceremony held recently at Bethel Presbyterian Church.
All are Bethel Park High School students.
The final hurdle in the quest for this highest rank for scouting is a community service challenge, titled “Eagle Project.”
The candidate for Eagle must be in charge of all aspects of the project. The tasks include, but are not limited to, planning, financing, implementation, completion and final presentation of the completed project to a committee of Scout leaders.
The projects benefitted numerous organizations.
Kurtz’s project benefitted the students of Memorial Elementary in Bethel Park. It included constructing a bench for the students to sit while they wait to be picked up at the school.
Wrubel’s project benefitted the Montour Trail. With help from a leader in the troop, the senior designed a covered bench and a stand-alone cover for an already existing bench.
Aldridge’s project benefitted the Mingo Creek Cemetery. It expanded a small rock garden that included a bench as well as adding three walking bridges to help with access to different parts of the cemetery without having to deal with the busy road nearby.
Donihi’s project benefitted the Allegheny Land Trust. A junior, he designed, built and installed a Free Book Library kiosk on one of the walking trails on the Bethel Green Property. He also planted five Dogwood trees and cleaned up a garden on the property.
Zahniser’s project benefitted the children and families of the King School Kids Childcare and Preschool at the First Bethel United Methodist Church. With assistance of his fellow Scouts, leaders and family, the junior constructed a bus shelter, where children and staff can wait for the school bus. The shelter also protects from inclement weather and provides a safe gathering space.
During the ceremony, national, state and local dignitaries provided letters or recognition.
Dennis Donihi delivered a welcome and made the introductions of speakers who provided inspirational talks explaining the process and responsibilities of an Eagle Scout as well as detailing the road taken by the five Scouts to achieve the rank.
The Eagle Charge was given by John Roth.
Russ Spicuzza, Elk Scouting Representative, of B.P.O.E. Lodge 2213 in Bethel Park gave a short congratulatory talk and presented the new Eagle Scouts with two framed certificates of merit, one each from the local and national Elks lodges.
Spicuzza also read the personal letter from T. Keith Mills, Exalted Ruler, congratulating all five Scouts on their accomplishments. He also presented each Eagle Scout with a personal sized American flag and a small gold lapel pin, which represent 80-plus years of relationship between Elks and Scouting.