Eagle Scout Makes Donation to the Madison Historical Society

Boy Scout Ryan Tomicic from Troop 491 completed his Eagle Scout Service Project on Monday, May 21, at the Madison Historical Society’s monthly board meeting. The rising Daniel Hand High School senior presented the trustees with a donation of $1025, the result of fundraising efforts he undertook to complete his project.

Tomicic got the idea for the project after making audio recordings of World War One letters for the society’s award-winning exhibition. In July 2016, Tomicic proposed his plan to transform the exhibit’s foyer into a realistic World War One trench to society trustees Doe Boyle and Tricia Royston. They enthusiastically supported the concept and guided him through the planning stages.

Scouts working toward Eagle rank must complete several activities demonstrating good citizenship and leadership skills, as well as plan, develop, lead, and execute an extensive community service project, according to the Boy Scouts of America. Under the supervision of Troop Leaders Rock Marsh and Philip Cancelliere, Committee Chair Richard Morrison, and and his fellow 491 scouts, Tomicic oversaw all aspects of the project. He kept detailed records of his progress, built several structures, managed a team of volunteers, and raised funds for the supplies he needed to complete the project.

Tomicic began work on the trench in October 2016 and completed the transformation seven months later, in time for the reopening of the exhibit in the spring of 2017. Longtime society trustee and past president Fred Murphy commended Tomicic for his efforts saying, “I’ve been associated with the Madison Historical Society since the 1960’s. This is the first time I can recall a member of the community contributing ideas and services to a project we developed for public view.” Murphy added, “the importance of Ryan’s contribution to our prize-winning World War I exhibit cannot be overlooked.”

Only four percent of scouts attain Eagle Scout status. The strict requirements can take years to fulfill and they are followed by a lengthy review process. Tomicic’s achievement will be recognized at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on June 11.