Mar 19, 2023 3 min read

McMurray residents Teddy Allison, Cavan Gable, David Lusk and Jack Miller from Boy Scout Troop 4 were recognized for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in a Court of Honor ceremony held recently at St. Louise de Marillac Church.

The final hurdle in achieving the highest rank in Scouting is a community service challenge, titled “Eagle Project.” The candidate for Eagle must be in charge of all aspects of the project, including planning, financing, implementation, completion and final presentation of the completed project to a committee of Scout leaders.

Allison’s project consisted of extending a split-rail fence 120 feet, building two gates, and some landscaping for the Bethel Park Lions Club at its park. He organized four workdays to complete the physical work. Sixteen Troop 4 scouts volunteered 152 hours; 10 Troop 4 adults contributed 55 hours, and three others added in 21, for a total of 253 hours. Allison raised $1,235 during a spaghetti dinner he organized and he received donations of $885.

Gable’s project consisted of constructing two garden benches, six seating benches, two end tables, and three saddle racks for Horses with Hope. Cavan organized the Scouts of Troop 4 on five workdays to cut wood, construct and stain the items. He funded his project through a grant from the Rotary ($650), organized a car wash ($573), and obtained donations ($424). Twenty-one Troop 4 scouts volunteered 157 hours; eight Troop 4 adults contributed 62 hours, and five others added in 13, for a total of 232 hours.

Lusk’s project consisted of constructing two benches, two stools, and a picnic table for Wesley Family Services. He organized the Scouts in his troop on six workdays to cut wood, construct, and stain the items. He funded his project with a car wash ($543), and obtained donations ($250). Sixteen Scouts volunteered 151 hours, eight adults contributed 70 hours, and four others aided in the project, which totaled 229 hours.

Miller’s project involved removing some existing benches and constructing three new benches for St. Thomas More Church. He organized the Scouts in his troop on three workdays to cut wood, construct, and stain the benches. He funded his project with a candy sale ($1,512), and obtained donations ($189). Seventeen Scouts volunteered 145 hours; eight adults contributed 72 hours, and three others added in 26, for a total of 243 hours.

Russ Spicuzza, Elk Scouting Representative, of South Hills BPOE Lodge 2213 in Bethel Park, gave a short talk and presented the new Eagle Scouts with two framed Certificates of Merit, one each from the local and national Elks Lodge (Chicago). Spicuzza read a personal letter from Bruce A. Hadley, Grand Exalted Ruler, congratulating the Scouts on their accomplishments. He also presented them with a personal sized American flag and a small gold lapel pin, which represents 80-plus years of the relationship between the Elks and Scouting.