 | | | Top row: Paul Munnelly, Joshua Gohres, William Innenberg, Benjamin Thiselton-Dyer; bottom row: Cole Foster, Liam Bodner, Ilhan Evrenosoglu, Charles Wheeler. Photo Mika Watanabe | | | | | | Lafayette's Boy Scout Troop 204 will honor nine scouts at the troop's upcoming 68th Eagle Court of Honor on April 18. These Scouts will each be advancing to Eagle Scout - the highest rank in scouting. There will be a small invitation-only outdoor ceremony in light of current circumstances.
To attain the Eagle Scout rank, a Scout must earn at least 21 merit badges including 13 Eagle-required badges, demonstrate leadership and Scout Spirit, and successfully complete an approved Eagle service project. Over their years with the troop these Scouts have also joined, planned and exhibited leadership during the annual 50-mile wilderness backpacking trips that have been a hallmark of the Troop 204 scouting experience.
Eagle service projects were necessarily planned, coordinated and adapted by the Scouts during 2020-21 to take account of pandemic restrictions and protocols. They responded to a variety of community challenges and needs of the times.
With funding from community donations for supplies, Paul Munnelly led construction of a wooden deck at the Lafayette Community Garden to enhance the utility of that public space. Joshua Gohres raised funds and constructed plexiglass barriers for the Husky House Child Enrichment Center in response to pandemic safety needs. William Innenberg raised funds and assembled donated and purchased supplies into care packages for members of the U.S. military stationed in areas of conflict. Ben Thiselton-Dyer led a drive for the Contra Costa and Solano Food Bank, donating 1,700 pounds of food and funds sufficient for more than 2,500 meals thanks to the generosity of the community.
After students shifted to distanced learning Cole Foster initiated a drive to collect, prepare and distribute surplus computers and tablets to Oakland schools to help address the challenges of unequal access to technology. Liam Bodner coordinated with the Lions Club and led a team of distanced volunteers to process 22,000 pairs of glasses ultimately destined to correct the vision of patients in need in developing countries. Ilhan Evrenosoglu raised funds and led the construction of storage/book shelves for Lafayette Elementary School. Charles Wheeler led the construction of redwood planter boxes for the outdoor communal area of STAND!'s emergency shelter, where women and children find safety from domestic abuse. Edward Gray (not pictured) designed and created a newly landscaped area in the front of Lafayette Elementary School in coordination with the school's Green Team. |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA