In a special Eagle Scout Court of Honor, Diego Blandon, Derek Bottomley, Ross Hurlock, and Scott Philipson of Boy Scout Troop 31 were awarded the rank of Eagle Scout.
The ceremony was held at the United Methodist Church, where the troop meets every Monday evening. Erik Eason was the master of ceremonies and the awards were presented by the scoutmasters led by Bob Eason.
Sometimes referred to as the “Ph.D. of Boyhood,” according to a release, only about 3 to 4% of Boy Scouts earn Eagle, scouting’s highest rank. The crowning achievement on the road to Eagle is the service project. In addition to earning the traditional 21 merit badges, all Eagle candidates are required to plan, lead and implement a project that benefits the community.
Diego Blandon’s project was to build an expansion loop through an undeveloped part of the nature trail at New Canaan Country School. Derek Bottomley’s involved constructing and placing birdhouses throughout Irwin Park. Ross Hurlock led a group that built three sets of steps leading from St. Mark’s Church parking lot down to the Gospel Garden, and Scott Philipson’s project benefited the New Canaan Historical Society. It involved building a shed to hold refuse and recycle containers and building flower beds for the herb garden.
More info: newcanaan31.mytroop.us/
Diego Blandon, Derek Bottomley, Ross Hurlock, and Scott Philipson of Boy Scout Troop 31 were recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout.