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Boy Scouts of America Troop 1 in Dover invites friends and neighbors to attend an Eagle Court of Honor ceremony for Matthew Benson, Andrew Mallett and Peter Phelan. The award will take place on Sunday, June 19 at 2:00 p.m. at The Dover Church.
The rank of Eagle is the highest award in Boy Scouting and is achieved by less than 4% of all scouts. Some of the most accomplished Americans are Eagle Scouts, including President Gerald Ford and astronaut Neil Armstrong.
Each of the boys earned at least 21 merit badges with 13 being Eagle-required. As part of the Eagle journey, each participant is required to contribute hours of community service, maintain a leadership position, and organize a final Eagle service project.
A major part of the Eagle project involves bringing together and leading troop members of various ages and abilities, as well as other members of the community, in completing the Eagle project. The completed project results in a major benefit to the community and often is a life-changing experience for the Eagle applicant.
Andrew Mallet's Eagle project consisted in building an Orienteering Course for the Sherborn Forest and Trail Association. The course resulted in a three-mile loop with ten posts and markers placed along the trail that requires the participant to use a map and compass to complete the course. This course is an invitation to the community to enjoy the land as well as provide a competitive course for fun events and fundraising competition.
Peter Phelan's Eagle project involved working with the Dover-Sherborn Boosters by building three water stations at Dover-Sherborn High School. Each station was pressurized to allow eight hoses for quick rehydration while at the fields at Dover-Sherborn High.
Matthew Benson's project was coordinated with the Dover Park and Recreation Department and consisted of updating the Caryl Park Storage Facilities. The project involved painting and landscaping the two sheds located at the Caryl Park.
Matthew, Andrew and Peter are the most recent Scouts to achieve Eagle for Troop 1 in Dover, which has been serving the Dover community for over 100 years and is one of the first Boy Scout Troops formed in the United States. The troop is composed of boys from grades 6-12 and is lead by an elected senior patrol leader who is one of the older Scouts. Adult volunteers support the troop, which is financially self-sufficient.
The mission of the Boy Scouts is to serve by helping others, instill values in young people and encourage leadership and independence.
Members of the community are encouraged to join the Scouts at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday June 19 at the Dover Church to congratulate Peter, Andrew and Matthew on their outstanding achievement and thank them for their contributions.
