Holmes recognized by Chicopee for achieving Eagle Scout rank

Mayor John Vieau presented Bryce Holmes with a certificate of recognition at the April 7 City Council meeting for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Photo credit: ChicopeeTV

CHICOPEE — Bryce Holmes was recognized at the April 7 City Council meeting by Mayor John Vieau and the city of Chicopee for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

Holmes, who is currently a senior at Chicopee Comprehensive High School, earned his Eagle rank on Jan. 29. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts program.

According to the Boy Scouts of America website, scouts need to accumulate at least 21 merit badges before earning the Eagle Scout rank, demonstrate leadership within their group and complete a community service project.

Not only did Holmes complete the requirements, but he did so while also undergoing three years of chemotherapy for inoperable brain tumors.

Vieau presented Holmes with a certificate of recognition “in honor of his outstanding achievements as a lifelong resident of Chicopee and dedicated member of the Western Massachusetts Council Scouting community,” the certificate read.

Holmes began his scouting journey in the first registered Lion Scout in Cub Scout Pack 138 and has continued his leadership in Boy Scout Troop 303 in South Hadley, serving as a quartermaster, troop guide and Order of the Arrow representative.

Holmes is also a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, the national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America, which recognizes scouts who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law through leadership, service and camping skills.

For his community service project, Holmes raised $6,000 to construct a permanent Gaga pit at Lambert Lavoie Elementary School.

Gaga is like dodgeball, but players are in a hexagon or octagon shape, fenced-in area with a foam or rubber ball. Players hit the ball at each other with their hands and are eliminated if the ball strikes them on or below the knee. The goal is to be the last player standing.

Vieau stated, “Bryce’s Eagle Scout service project demonstrated his commitment to community, raising over $6,000 to construct a permanent Gaga ball pit at Lambert Lavoie Elementary School, leaving a lasting legacy for students and families.”

Holmes not only raised the funds to build the Gaga court at Lambert Lavoie, but his team of other scouts, scoutmasters, family and friends of almost 30 people spent six hours building the outdoor pit.

“For his perseverance, his leadership, and his service, we proudly recognize Bryce’s attainment of the Eagle Scout Award and commend his dedication to making a positive impact on the community, presented with gratitude and admiration,” Vieau said. “Thank you for just enhancing the student experience by creating a Gaga pit at the elementary school.”