Scouts Boy Scouts of America Troop 10, Yardley, was proud to celebrate two of its Scouts achieving the rank of Eagle Scout recently. Eagle Scouts Alex Abell and Paul Kearns were honored on January 15th at Yardley Methodist Church.
This most recent Eagle Court of Honor for Troop 10 was a testament to the consistent mentoring that Troop 10 has provided for all of its Scouts and the perseverance of these two newest Eagle Scouts. The Eagle projects accomplished by Mr. Abell and Mr. Kearns represent a benefit to the local community.
Alex Abell, of Middletown Township, created a Gaga pit at Makefield Elementary School. Gaga is like dodgeball but in an enclosed octagonal structure and is a very popular activity on playgrounds.
With the help of Troop 10 Scouts and adults, Alex’s project was completed efficiently. The pit was constructed with lumber and metal brackets in the school’s colors, orange and black.
Alex worked closely with the school’s PTO representative. The completed Gaga pit was received with so much enthusiasm by students of Makefield Elementary that the principal had to institute a sign-up system.
A special thank goes out to Mr. Jim Rugarber who helped Alex with pit construction, and to the Troop 10 Scouts and adults who helped him with the project and fundraising.
Paul Kearns, of Lower Makefield Township, restored the howitzer cannon in front of VFW Post 6393 on Yardley-Newtown Road in Yardley. Paul worked with VFW representative Mike Bishop to plan and outline the project.
He and his team of volunteers first cleaned the howitzer using a pressure washer, sanders, wire brushes, and scrapers to remove paint, plant growth, and dirt. They then primed the cannon and painted it to return it to a presentable state.
As a final stage, they jacked up the howitzer to place it on a concrete brick stand and pressure-washed the concrete pad it is on. The finished project represents the respect that our community and Paul has for our veterans.
During the Eagle Court of Honor on January 15th, the two Eagle Scouts shared stories, gratitude for their mentors and Troop 10 leaders, including Scoutmaster Steve Daniel and former Scout Master Mickey Ingles, as well as words of wisdom for continuing Scouts.
Special ceremony attendees included Macklin Wagner, Military and Veterans’ Advocate, who attended as a delegate of Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of the U.S. House of Representatives, State Senator Frank Farry, a delegate for State Senator Steve Santarsiero, State Representative Perry Warren, Jakki Fitzmaurice, who attended as delegate for State Representative John Galloway, LMT Supervisor Dan Grenier, Magne Gundersen and Janet Boris of the Washing Crossing Council, and Gus Cales, Sergeant at Arms of the Marine Auxiliary.
PHOTO CAP: Paul Kearns (left) and Alex Abell