Josiah S. Hays and Drew W. Swindler achieve Eagle Scout rank

Tue, 11/21/2023 - 5:00pm
Drew Swindler, Scoutmaster Bruce Bossow, and Josiah Hays make the Scout sign during the ceremony. (Photo courtesy Chuck Mahaleris)
Scoutmaster Bruce Bossow read a congratulatory letter for U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree. (Photo courtesy Chuck Mahaleris)
Eagle Scout Jim Murphy pins the Eagle medal on Josiah Hays as Josiah's mother Beverly looks on. (Photo courtesy Chuck Mahaleris)
Eagle Scout Drew Swindler read a letter he had written thanking those in the audience and those who could not be present including former Scoutmaster Vern Bradeen, who passed in 2018. (Photo courtesy Chuck Mahaleris)

WARREN — Friends and family joined Scouts past and present from Troop 254 on Sunday, November 19, at the Second Congregational Church in Warren, for the presentation of Scouting's highest award – the Eagle Scout rank – to Josiah S. Hays and Drew W. Swindler, who both began their Scouting journey a dozen years earlier.

"To attain the highest rank in Scouting," said Troop 254 Scoutmaster Bruce Bossow, "our candidates were active in the troop and their patrols for at least six months, showing Scout spirit and leadership. They earned several more merit badges than is required to become an Eagle Scout. They planned, developed, and gave leadership to service projects which were helpful to their school, host church, and  community. They passed a troop and district board of review. Today you witness the presentation of their well-earned award."

Assistant Scoutmaster David Richmond said, "In Scouting, the Eagle stands for strength of character. The Eagle stands for knowledge of all phases of Scouting. The Eagle represents an an understanding of community and nation, and a deep respect for same. The Eagle is a symbol of what a young man has done as well as what the young man will do, and will be, when he grows into manhood. The Eagle is a leader."

Josiah earned 17 additional merit badges beyond those required for Eagle Scout and Drew earned 23 beyond the necessary badges. The required badges include those that teach citizenship such as Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, and Citizenship in Society. The electives that they earned include Hosremanship, Welding, Animation, and Astronomy.

During their Eagle addresses to the audience, both remembered with fondness and appreciation their former Scoutmaster Vernon Bradeen, who passed unexpectedly in 2018. Vern had been their leader since they were Tiger Cubs in 1st grade.

Josiah Hays said, "I want to thank all of you for helping us along this very long journey."

"It has been an awesome journey," Drew Swindler said. "Scouting has taught me to never give up."

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