Seven Southwick residents were honored Nov. 4 with citations for obtaining the Eagle Scout rank during the Southwick Select Board meeting.
Reminder Publishing photo by Hope Murray Tremblay
SOUTHWICK — Seven young men were recognized Nov. 4 by the Southwick Select Board for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Ethan Davidson and Mason Grazia of Troop 114 and Devan Cerone, Peter Davis, Willard Davis, Hunter Gargano and Samuel Taylor of Troop 338 received citations from the board during its regular meeting.
Troop 338 Scout Master Glenda Cerone said she was very proud of their hard work.
“It’s not just the Eagle Scout Service Project they need to earn this,” she said. “They earned 22 badges and developed leadership skills.”
Cerone said the emphasis to become an Eagle Scout is on citizenship and leadership, which is demonstrated through their final Eagle Scout projects. Projects must benefit the community, school or religious group. Each scout proposes their project to the beneficiary and it must be approved by the benefitting organization, the local troop and submitted to the Boy Scout Council for approval. Cerone said it can take months.
Taylor’s project was a flag retirement collection bin at the American Legion, Gargano built a buddy bench at Powder Mill School, Grazia made a Gaga Ball pit, Davidson created a memorial to the town’s Gold Star Mothers, Peter Davis collected bicycle donations for Ukrainian refugees, Willard Davis renovated the robotics room at Windsor Locks High School.
Erik Davidson said he was very proud of his son, Ethan.
“I’m incredibly proud of all of his accomplishments,” he said. “He works so hard and independently. And he did this while preparing for college.”
Peter Davis, Sr. is a teacher at Windsor Locks High School. Growing up in Southwick, he was also an Eagle Scout, as was his father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His sons, Peter and Willard, are fourth-generation Eagle Scouts, a tradition Davis is thrilled they have continued.
“It’s awesome,” said Davis. “They see how it’s not just an achievement, it’s a lifestyle. My father always said scouting was one of the greatest educational institutions in the country, and he’s not wrong.”
Davis said along the path to becoming an Eagle, scouts “become gentleman.” Peter Davis’ project is becoming an annual event, with plans to collect bicycle donations, refurbish them and distribute to those in need.
Cerone said most Eagle Scouts are high school seniors, although a few are currently college freshman who completed their projects last year. Eagle is the highest ranking in the Boy Scouts of America and is accomplished by very few, said Cerone. According to Boy Scouts of America, the rank “is a symbol of a scout’s dedication, leadership skills, and commitment to serving their community. Earning the Eagle Scout rank is not just about acquiring merit badges or learning outdoor skills; it is about character development, leadership and making a positive impact on society.” The Boys Scouts of America website notes that just 4% of scouts achieve the Eagle Scout rank.
Requirements include being a scout for at least six months, earning a minimum of 21 merit badges, holding leadership positions within the troop, completing a significant service project and be under age 18.
Cerone said the group of scouts honored in Southwick have been together many years.
“Most of them started out together at age five or six,” she said.
The troops meet Mondays at 7 p.m. and are always welcoming new scouts. Anyone interested in learning more about Southwick’s Boy Scout troops should contact Troop 114 Scout Master Todd Wescott at 413-222-6885.
