Six Scouts soar to Eagle
Six Boy Scouts from Troop 31 attained the rank of Eagle June 19.
An Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Waveny House was held for A.J. Baker, Thomas Freiberg, Brandon Hruska, Shafer Jones, William J. Koslo, III and Thomas Philipson.
Family, friends and State Rep. Tom O’Dea (R-125) and Sen. Toni Boucher (R-26) attended the ceremony.
The Eagle Rank is Scouting’s highest award. Only a small number of Scouts – about 4% – reach this goal, the announcement said.
Those who attain Eagle are trained and practiced in their leadership abilities, and are marked by the character gained through an understanding of their citizenship and beliefs.
Each of the local Eagle Scouts was required to select, manage, and complete a community service project, while leading other scouts in the troop and friends as volunteers.
The following projects were completed by the new Eagle Scouts:
Thomas Philipson painted 107 fire hydrants in New Canaan. The project was sponsored by The New Canaan Fire Department and Aquarion Water.
William J. Koslo, III sent care packages to the 3rd Battalion 8th Marines Mortar Unit stationed in Romania. The project was sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Darien.
Thomas Freiberg worked with Strays and Others, a non-profit animal shelter in New Canaan. His service at Dog Days and donations exceeded $2,000 to benefit this organization and their daily needs.
Brandon Hruska repaired and resurfaced the Bird of Prey walkway at the Nature Center in New Canaan. This project improved the look and accessibility of the walk, as well as made the Nature Center attraction safe, dry and visually appealing.
Shafer Jones built a new nature viewing blind at the New Canaan Nature Center. This small building allows both children and adults to observe nature without fearing that they will be disturbing it.
A.J. Baker managed the design, fabrication and installation of 9 new bird shelters for the “Birds of Prey” exhibit at the New Canaan Nature Center. The Bald Eagle, Barn Owl, Perregrine Falcon and others now enjoy new custom homes.
“May the qualities that inspired them to this achievement continue to lead them on to even greater success in their lives,” said Scoutmaster George Harvey.
For more information about Troop 31, contact Harvey at scoutmaster@troop31newcanaan.com.

New Canaan: Six scouts have soared to Eagle. Eagle Scouts from Troop 31 are shown, from left, William J. Koslo, III, A.J. Baker, Brandon Hruska, Scoutmaster George Harvey, Shafer Jones, Thomas Freiburg and Thomas Philipson.
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