By Austin C. and Jon H.
Victor C. is one of three FFS students to become an Eagle Scout this semester. Victor began his scouting career in the fifth grade. He has continued participating in the scouts since his arrival at The Family School 17 months ago. Victor started his journey as a Boy Scout and put in a lot of time and effort to become an Eagle Scout. While dealing with trials and tribulations, such as battling a drug addiction and grieving with the loss of his mother (see “Getting Through the Hard Times,” above), Victor completed all of the necessary requirements to soar to the level of Eagle Scout. His Eagle Scout project took place at The Deserio Center in Hancock, N.Y.
There, with the help of his troop, he knocked down two walls on the ground floor and put up arches to make the room larger and more accessible. He then removed the rug in the center’s library, revealing the underlying hardwood floor. The team completed their three days of hard work by remodeling the library bookshelves. “It’s really great knowing that I accomplished this, and I am dedicating my Eagle Scout award to my mom,” commented Victor. One of the final steps in Victor’s journey to becoming an Eagle Scout was the Eagle Scout Board of Review. The board was made up of Chris Evanitsky, assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 174; Karen Prestidge, Chairwoman of the Council Advancement Committee; and Donna Broce, who represented FFS’s Boy Scout committee.
In the Board of Review, candidates describe their Eagle Scout projects, present their minimum of 21 merit badges, and answer questions about their scouting career and its effect on their lives. On the day of Victor’s Board of Review, he was joined by fellow student and Eagle Scout hopeful Sean M. Sean began scouting in the fifth grade. He was very involved in his troop at the beginning, however, as his addiction progressed, he slowly fell away and eventually quit altogether. Upon his arrival at FFS, Sean was given a chance to finish what he had started. With the help of Troop 174 and his peers he was able to complete his Eagle Scout project. “This whole journey has truly been a testament of God in my life and has proven to me the benefits of a sober life,” said Sean.
Andrew A., the first FFS student to become an Eagle Scout this semester, started scouting in kindergarten as a Cub Scout. After graduating from the Cub Scouts, Andrew felt extremely motivated to progress in his scouting career. At the age of fourteen Andrew fell only one rank short of becoming an Eagle Scout. One year later, Andrew found himself overwhelmed with addiction. His obsession took his mind away from completing his Eagle Scout project. Once Andrew arrived at The Family School, he started to excel. Andrew finally obtained the motivation to complete his journey and finish his Eagle Scout project. On June 25 Scott Cole, Bruce Hutchison, and Evanitsky officially presented Victor, Sean, and Andrew with their Eagle Scout Ranking at the Court of Honor.
