 | | | From left: Asa Smyrl, Calvin Chen, and Alessandro Paolieri Photo Jim Babson | | | | | | Troop 234 held their Eagle Court of Honor May 28 at St. Monica Catholic Church to honor three new Eagle Scouts - Calvin Chen, Alessandro Paolieri and Asa Smyrl. The guest speaker was Moraga Mayor Steve Woeleke and some special guests in attendance included Matt Ariker, Briones District Chair, and Chris Kolm, Unit Commissioner for Briones District.
Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in Scouting. It requires scouts to familiarize themselves in outdoor skills, serve in their community and take on leadership positions. It is a journey that requires hard work, tenacity, dedication and leadership. One of the acronyms of teaching a young scout something new is EDGE: E stands for Educate a person; D is for Demonstrate the task; G is to Guide them through the challenges; and E is Enable them to do more by positive reinforcement. It is through this method that scouts become proficient in tying knots, reading the compass, preparing for a campout and ultimately leading a campout.
A major part of receiving the Eagle Scout rank is to serve the community through an Eagle project. Calvin Chen worked with Moraga Parks and Recreation Association to prepare, paint and install nine wooden trail markers around Moraga. One can see them at Moraga Commons Park, Rancho Laguna Park and the Hacienda. They serve as guides for those who visit the parks. Alessandro Paolieri worked with the Moraga-Orinda Fired District and Moraga Parks and Recreation to prevent outbreak of wildfires. He removed tree and bush branches in Rancho Laguna Park, lower than 6 feet to the ground to reduce the risk of fire spreading from the ground to tree canopies. This reduces the fire danger to surrounding residential areas and open spaces. Asa Smyrl ran a book drive for Harbor House Ministries to collect books for its after school programs. In providing books for this underserved community, it aims to close the education gap for the students there, whom some of the students are families of recent immigrants.
Three new Eagle Scouts would like to thank Troop 234's adult leaders, fellow scouts and families, and community for their support through the years. |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA