Pictured from left to right in the back row; Nicholas J. Spadoni, Matthew B. Valentine, P. Michael Villanueva. In the front row; Matthew B. Atwood, Ian T. Balczewski

Boy Scout Troop 243 in Lafayette honored four scouts at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Sunday, April 25 at the Lafayette Christian Church. Their Scoutmaster is John Coleman.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills. An Eagle Scout must have completed at least 21 merit badges and organized a service project that benefits his community.

Matthew B. Atwood For his Eagle Scout Project Matt constructed a picnic table with benches alongside the eucalyptus grove located above the Community Fields and next to the proposed Lafayette Bike Park. Matt is a senior at Campolindo High School and the son of Jeanne and Dave Atwood of Lafayette.

Ian T. Balczewski For his Eagle Scout Project Ian assembled 160 school supply packages for Kindergarten through 12th grade students in order to prepare the children of low-income families for the school year. Ian is a senior at De La Salle High School and the son of Jeanne Balczewski of Lafayette and John Balczewski of Danville.

Nicholas J. Spadoni For his Eagle Scout Project Nicholas handcrafted two Peace Poles for the School and Church community at St. Perpetua in Lafayette, CA. Nicholas is a senior at De La Salle High School the son of Marlena and Jim Spadoni of Concord.

Matthew B. Valentine For his Eagle Scout project Matthew removed the rotting and faulty fence at the Holy Shepherd Christian Preschool and redesigned and constructed the new fence which stands in its place. Matthew is a senior at Campolindo High School and the son of Bethany and John Valentine of Moraga.

P. Michael Villanueva For his Eagle Scout project Michael installed a complex drainage system covering an area of almost 600 square feet for a local church. Michael is a senior at Campolindo High School and the son of Maria and Phil Villanueva of Lafayette

For over 54 years, Lafayette Boy Scout Troop 243, chartered by the Lafayette Christian Church, has been providing boys from our area with a variety of hiking, camping, and community service opportunities. Our Scouts come from four different high schools and eight elementary and middle schools. Summer activities including backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, sailing at Florida Sea Base, land and water based adventures at Catalina Island, 50 Mile hikes, Mt. Lassen bike rides, whitewater rafting, and Camp Wolfeboro outings.