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Troop 2970 from Goose Creek District NCAC, BSA welcomed six new Eagle Scouts: Kaiden Carey, Anthony Dimitriou, Jack Gallardo, Sahil Patel, Kato Watsen and Mason Wood in Court of Honor Ceremony held June 10, 2023.

This event was a momentous occasion as the troop, families and community recognized and honored the dedication, leadership, and service demonstrated by these six outstanding individuals in addition to celebrating the unique tight bond these young men had formed over the past decade with one another throughout the scouting program.

Each of these Eagle Scouts exemplifies the core values of Scouts BSA, displaying exceptional leadership skills, character development, and a commitment to community service. All six were involved in Cub Scouts prior to joining troop 2970 and they forged a deeper bond as they embarked on this journey together in Troop 2970, when they were placed in the same “new boy patrol”.

Throughout their journey they have stood side by side, supporting and encouraging one another. These Scouts navigated through a pandemic where they were forced to adapt to a world full of uncertainty. And yet, despite the adversity they faced in their pursuit of the Eagle. Their collaborative spirit, teamwork, and camaraderie helped to carry them through. Their accomplishments highlight the transformative impact of the Scouting program.

These young men’s projects directly impacted their local community by serving Boulder Crest, George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor, Veterans Moving Forward, Mobile Hope, a local church, and a local High school; in addition to the 1000+ cumulative hours of service, they have been providing throughout their scouting journey. Their accomplishments reflect years of dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to making a positive impact on their communities. They also follow show a commitment to following the request written so long ago “Try to leave the world a little better than you found it” Baden-Powell. Their achievements serve as an inspiration for all young individuals striving to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

On the evening of 6 June 2023, Saint Timothy’s Catholic Church-sponsored Troop 7369 celebrated six Eagle Scouts’ journeys with an Eagle Court of Honor. Four of these fun-loving Scouts (Finn Geary, Liam Axelrod, Lucus Jadryev, and Rakendu Malladi) began their Scouting journey in 2011 as first graders in Greenbriar West Elementary School-sponsored Pack 1133. Ganesh Rayavarapu joined in third grade and Connor Kentfield joined in fourth grade. As Cubs, these Scouts enjoyed a full range of “go-see-its”, campouts, Scouting for Food events, Camp Snyder events, and Chantilly High School Homecoming Parades. They competed in Space and Pinewood Derbies, bake-offs, and Rain Gutter Regattas. Several attended Goshen Summer Camp and would tell you “Ross is Boss!” Den leader, Renee Geary, began with five first graders and the numbers rose steadily. By the time the Cubs were fifth graders, twenty-seven were registered. Her Cub may have recruited other fifth graders by informing them that in Scouting, they could set things on fire, use knives, and launch rockets. Luckily, the Cubmaster Mike Stone led the newest Scouts, leaving Renee with a regular roster of sixteen Cubs. At the Pack 1133 crossover event, eleven of the sixteen crossed over to Troop 7369. Later, three additional former Pack 1133 Cubs joined their friends in Troop 7369. Of the fourteen Pack 1133 Cubs, seven have gone on to earn the Eagle rank with Troop 7369.

As these Scouts took ownership of their Scouting journeys in Troop 7369, they continued their commitment to service, rank advancement, personal growth, leadership, and putting the OUTING in SCOUTING. More adventures at Camp Snyder, Camp Rodney, New York City, Assateague Island beach (twice), Westmoreland State Park, Antietam, and more, gave them opportunities to demonstrate skills
and leadership. Many of these Scouts hiked over 70 mile treks at Philmont High Adventure Camp. Finn Geary and Liam Axelrod liked Philmont so much, they trekked in 2019 and 2021!

When it was time to complete an Eagle Scout Project, each Scout’s project was unique.
Finn Geary led a project to build 50 desks for beneficiary She Believes in Me in Herndon for students to have desks in their homes to attend virtual school during the pandemic.
Connor Kentfield led a project to build and install little library boxes at a local playground and other locations of his Rotary beneficiary’s choice.
Ganesh Rayavarapu led a project to install concrete pavers for beneficiary SV Lotus Hindu Temple. Liam Axelrod led a project to paint murals he designed on two walls for beneficiary Greenbriar West Elementary School.
Rakendu Malladi led a project to build a shed to store emergency disaster supplies for the Fairfax branch of the Salvation Army.
Lucus Jadryev led a project to give back at his former elementary school, Greenbriar East Elementary School, where he led the building and installation of a bench around a tree and additional landscaping and flag pole area beautification.

In their Eagle speeches, each of these Scouts acknowledged the fun and challenges that led them to Eagle and their gratitude for having done it all together.