| | Published July 3rd, 2024
| Orinda's Troop 303 honors seven Eagle Scouts
| | | Submitted by Mariah Finegan |  | | Pictured from left: NickEng, Julian Rustigian, David Kepkep, Paul Stephan, Lucas Peterson, Collin Finegan, and Ethan Kong.? Photo provided |
On May 18 Boy Scouts of America Troop 303B in Orinda celebrated?seven?Scouts who recently earned the highest rank in Scouting at an Eagle Court of Honor held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. The Eagle Scouts whose achievement was recognized included Miramonte High School student:. Nick Eng, Collin Finegan, David Kepkep, Ethan Kong, Lucas Peterson, Julian Rustigian, and Paul Stephan.
The Boy Scouts of America, a youth development organization founded in 1910, strives to offer a fun program that promotes ethical foundations, citizenship training, and physical and mental fitness. A Scout's years long journey to the Eagle rank culminates in the Eagle Service Project, which requires Scouts to plan, execute, and lead a project that benefits the community.
Nick Eng's project included repairing a culvert and constructing a drainage trench to help protect Holy Shepard Lutheran Church's facilities from flooding from heavy rains. Collin Finegan restored and improved the Nature Trail connecting the local neighborhood to Orinda Oaks Park and the Mulholland Ridge Trail. David Kepkep refurbished and built benches for The Creek Youth Center's after school program in Walnut Creek. Ethan Kong constructed a storage shed for organizing outdoor equipment at St. Stephen's Preschool and Paul Stephan rebuilt an 80 ft section of wood fencing at St Stephen's Episcopal Church in Orinda. Miramonte High School benefited from two projects: Lucas Peterson constructed a decomposed gravel walkway leading to a basketball court and Julian Rustigian replaced five wood benches in a popular campus lunch area.
The commitment and service of this group of Eagle Scouts was recognized by the Office of the Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, the Office of Senator Steve Glazer, and the Office of Orinda Mayor Darlene Gee. Additionally, they each received an American flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol. The Eagle Scouts would like to express their gratitude to their parents, Scout leaders, community members, and fellow Scouts who have supported them along their challenging journey of growth and adventure. Orinda's Troop 303 serves both boys and girls. |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA