The eagles were soaring for Boy Scout Troop 314 recently as six of its members received their Eagle Scout awards. Honored were Brien Culhane, Ryan Kessell, Jacob Steinhilber and Brian Treco of Cutler Bay; Christian Mendez of Miami; and Sebastian Mitchell of Homestead.
Family, friends, fellow scouts and other guests filled the parish hall at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary St. Richard Catholic Church on July 22nd to celebrate these young men for earning Boy Scouting’s highest honor. Among them was Peggy Bell, Mayor of Cutler Bay, who awarded each Eagle a Certificate of Accomplishment and remarked on the hard work and dedication it took to achieve the rank of Eagle. Requirements include earning a minimum of 21 merit badges, serving in Troop leadership roles, and completing a service project that helps the local community. Only 5 percent of Scouts reach this prestigious rank.
The emotional highlight of the ceremony came as each honoree’s mother pinned the Eagle medal onto her son, followed by the Scout’s presenting the Eagle “Mom” and “Dad” pins to his parents.
After taking the Eagle Oath, the honorees gave personal remarks on their trail to Eagle and what Scouting means to them. They presented Mentor pins and thanked all those who assisted them with their Eagle Service projects:
Brien Culhane raised $2,200 and organized volunteers to provide “Good Housekeeping Gifts” for 110 teens aging out of foster care in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.
Sebastian Mitchell organized a group of fellow Scouts to build 20 stable doors for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals located in the Redlands.
Ryan Kessell with a group of volunteers, built shelving racks to store and help preserve historic wine bottles at the Charles Deering Estate in Palmetto Bay.
Jacob Steinhilber built and stained 5 benches with the help of volunteers for the Charles Deering Estate education program.
Brian Treco organized volunteers to construct a fireplace outside the parish center at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary St. Richard Catholic Church.
Christian Mendez with the help of volunteers constructed a food pantry for the Miami Vineyard Community Church.
Mr. Lee Popham, representing the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, presented Certificates of Recognition to the Eagles for their exceptional leadership and citizenship in attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
A reception hosted by the new Eagle Scout parents completed the wonderful event.
Troop 314 was chartered in 1965 and meets at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary St. Richard Catholic School in Cutler Bay.
