Medfield's Boy Scout Troop 89 members Brandon Luke Popper and Marco Silva Benson were honored at their Eagle Court of Honor on November 30, 2024, at the United Church of Christ in Medfield. Family, friends, members of Troop 89, and state and local officials attended this event to recognize these young men for their achievements.
Attaining the rank of Eagle is rare; only four to eight percent of all Boy Scouts do so. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried a special significance in Scouting as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service.
The requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout are as follows:
• A Scout must earn 21 merit badges, including 14 required Eagle Badges
• A Scout must serve actively in a troop leadership position for at least six months
• A Scout must plan, develop, and carry out a service project worthy of an Eagle Scout
• A Scout must appear before a Board of Review of prominent persons to demonstrate that he has done his best to live up to the Scout Oath and Law and has qualified as an Eagle Scout.
The following is a summary of Brandon Luke Popper’s Scouting and personal history:
Brandon joined Troop 89 in March 2017 at age 11 after crossing over from Webelos, Pack 200, where he received the Arrow of Light Award. Brandon earned 27 merit badges on his trail to Eagle and participated in 23 camping trips. He demonstrated his leadership ability within Troop 89 as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Quartermaster.
For his Eagle Scout Project, Brandon researched, designed, and led the construction of a wood food pantry at Temple Beth David in Westwood to give back to the temple community and others in surrounding areas. The food box, installed in June 2023, holds both canned goods and toiletries and is a valuable resource for the community.
Brandon appeared before his Eagle Board of Review on September 28, 2023, where he was recognized for his efforts and received the distinction of the Eagle Scout rank.
Brandon is a freshman at Elon University in North Carolina, where he studies journalism. At Gann Academy, he served as the Jewish Youth Group Social Action President, a broadcaster for high school basketball, and the captain of the JV soccer and varsity tennis teams. Brandon enjoys broadcasting, refereeing soccer games, and volunteering in his free time.
The following is a summary of Marco Silva Benson’s Scouting and personal history:
Marco joined Troop 89 in March 2017 at age 10 after crossing over from Webelos, Pack 200, where he also earned the Arrow of Light Award. Over his Scouting career, Marco earned 30 merit badges, participated in 41 camping trips, and attended high adventure trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and Florida National High Adventure Sea Base. He served in several leadership roles, including Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Den Chief.
For his Eagle Scout Project, Marco designed, built, and mounted ten bat houses at Hinkley Pond and McCarthy Fields. Each bat house can hold up to 50 bats, reducing the local mosquito population and minimizing the risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus. With the help of fellow Scouts, Marco assembled, painted, and secured the bat houses using environmentally friendly methods to preserve the trees and ensure the longevity of the houses.
Marco appeared before his Eagle Board of Review on June 27, 2024, where he was recognized for his contributions and received the Eagle Scout rank.
A prospective student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Marco plans to study computer engineering. He was an accomplished musician at Medfield High School, participating in concert band, jazz ensemble, and jazz combo and earning multiple gold and silver medals. Marco was also active in Mock Trial, Science Olympiad, DECA, and the National Honor Society. In his free time, he enjoys playing music, going to the gym, and volunteering.
Brandon and Marco’s dedication and achievements demonstrate their capacity to embody the Scout Oath and Law and their commitment to serving their community. Troop 89 is proud to celebrate their accomplishments as Eagle Scouts.
