Like many Eagle Scout candidates, Matthew Reilly of considered a number of potential projects before settling on an Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project that combined his heartfelt patriotism and his desire to build something useful.

Matt constructed a footbridge at Washington Crossing National Cemetery that provides a welcome short cut from the parking lot to the gravesites along Highland Road. 

David Kolmetzky, Administrative Officer of the cemetery, commented that Matt’s project has been well received by his organization.

“We couldn’t be happier with the work and he should be commended for the work he put into the project. The bridge that he constructed gives our visitors safe passage over a drainage culvert and also adds to the appearance of the property.”

The son of Melissa and Gene Reilly of Washington Crossing, Matt is a 2012 graduate of Council Rock High School North. He attends Bloomsburg University where he will enroll in the Army ROTC program in the fall.

Matt is an active member of Newtown Presbyterian Church where he participated in Youth Group. He volunteered on Mission Work Trips to Maine, Nova Scotia, West Virginia, Virginia and South Dakota.

He has also volunteered on two separate home renovations with the Interfaith Housing Group.

Matt’s scouting career includes Brotherhood in Order of the Arrow, camping at New River Gorge in West Virginia and attending National Jamboree in 2010 as part of the Bucks County Council Contingent.

PHOTO CAP: Eagle Scout Matt Reilly on the footbridge he constructed at Washington Crossing National Cemetery

It was a sense of gratitude that led Troop 99 Eagle Scout Christopher Mangogna to select the Washington Crossing National Cemetery as the site of his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project.

Chris designed and created a memorial garden near the entrance to the cemetery. Landscaped, and featuring the emblems of each branch of the service, the centerpiece of the garden is a native stone boulder bearing a bronze plaque honoring those who have served in the military.

David Kolmetzky, Administrative Officer of the cemetery, praised Chris’ project.

“We’ve received nothing but positive feedback from the families we serve. The monument the he installed gives a wonderful tribute to the men and women who have served their country proudly.”

Chris is the son of Philip and Colleen Mangogna of Newtown. He is a senior at Council Rock High School North where he is a member of National Honor Society, National Latin Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Future Educators of America and the fall and spring track teams.

He also volunteers in the STAR student teaching assistant program, Big Brother, Big Sister tutoring at Goodnoe Elementary School and as a mentor in the Camp Discovery Program.

As a Boy Scout, Chris has traveled to Haliburton Scout Reservation in Canada and BSA Sea Base in the Bahamas.

He was a member of the Bucks County Council Contingent attending National Jamboree. He is a Brother in Order of the Arrow and has served his troop in various leadership positions including Senior Patrol Leader.

PHOTO CAP: Chris Mangogna at the memorial garden he created