Scouts reach Eagle status

SPARTA — On August 7, Boy Scout Troop 150 of Sparta honored five young scouts who have advanced to the highest rank in scouting, the Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout Court of honor was held at the Sparta Methodist Church on Sunday and in attendance was Scoutmaster Joe Fucito, many of the leaders and scouts from Troop 150, family and friends of the scouts as well local dignitaries and distinguished quests. The master of ceremony was Eagle Scout Sebastian Cook.
Tim Clauss, Elijah Cook, Raymond Roggero, Peter Vallario and Thomas Wolfe, all from Sparta, were recognized for their contributions to the troop as well as the community. To attain the rank of Eagle Scout each scout must complete a rigorous program which advances them through various ranks which can take years to fulfill. The final requirement is to complete an Eagle Scout project which benefits the community, or an organization. All 5 of these young men completed these requirements which have an age deadline of 18 years of age. Tim Claus installed a demonstration rain garden near the Lake Mohawk Country Club on behalf of the Lake Mohawk Preservation Foundation as his Eagle Project. The Rain Garden serves as an example of a natural water filtration device that can improve the quality of the water in the lake. Elijah Cook's Eagle project consisted of the design and construction of a large welcome sign for the Veterans Memorial Field at Sparta High School. Raymond Roggero re-established the Saint Kateri prayer garden. Raymond cleared brush, repaired a retaining wall and garden stones, poured cement slabs, added and repaired benches and planted trees and perennials. Peter Vallario restored the Nature Trail at the Helen Morgan Elementary School, as well as rebuilt the bridge and added a rustic outdoor classroom for learning. Thomas Wolfe's Eagle project was building and installing a trailhead kiosk with a cedar roof on the Sussex Branch Trail at Warbasse Junction. All 5 boys worked with the help, guidance and support of their scoutmaster, assistant scoutmasters, fellow scouts and family. Congratulations to all these fine young men as they venture forward into their college years.