photos courtesy of Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HILLSDALE, NJ — It was a proud moment for Troop 334 and the Pascack Valley community as four outstanding young men achieved the highest rank in Scouting — Eagle Scout.
In a Facebook post, Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali wrote:
“It was an honor today to attend Troop 334’s Eagle Scout ceremony at Pascack Hills and witness four outstanding young men achieve the highest rank in Scouting — Eagle Scout. Job well done by everyone!”
The honorees are:
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Andrew W. Alcruz – Bardonia, NY
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Samuel Z. Crane – Hillsdale, NJ
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Colin R. Hill – Montvale, NJ
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Benjamin L. Miller – Woodcliff Lake, NJ
What It Means to Become an Eagle Scout
The Eagle Scout rank is the highest achievement attainable in Scouts BSA (formerly the Boy Scouts of America). It requires years of dedication, advancement through all prior ranks, mastery of leadership skills, and the successful completion of a major Eagle Scout Service Project that benefits the community.
To earn the rank, Scouts must:
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Progress through ranks: Scout → Tenderfoot → Second Class → First Class → Star → Life → Eagle.
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Earn 21 merit badges, 13 of which are in required subjects such as First Aid, Citizenship, Communication, Personal Fitness, and Camping.
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Serve at least six months in a troop leadership role.
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Plan and execute a community service project.
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Pass a Scoutmaster conference and a Board of Review.
Steps to Achieving Eagle Scout Rank
1. Join Early and Stay Active
Joining a local troop at a young age allows enough time to complete all requirements before turning 18.
2. Learn the Ropes with the Scout Handbook
The handbook covers camping, safety, and skill-building, and serves as the roadmap to advancement.
3. Earn Ranks and Merit Badges
Each rank builds on skills like outdoor survival, leadership, citizenship, and emergency preparedness.
4. Plan Your Service Project
Projects range from building park structures to organizing community events or charity drives. Creativity and leadership are key.
5. Demonstrate Leadership
Whether as a patrol leader, quartermaster, or team captain, Scouts must lead others effectively.
6. Pass the Board of Review
This final step evaluates readiness, character, and the Scout’s contributions to the community.
7. Celebrate at the Eagle Court of Honor
The ceremony recognizes years of hard work and dedication, often attended by family, friends, community leaders, and local officials.
Local Impact
Mayor Ghassali’s attendance underscores the importance of Scouting in building community leadership. Troop 334’s new Eagle Scouts have not only earned a prestigious national honor but also left a lasting mark on Pascack Valley through their service projects and dedication.
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
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