An Eagle Scout Takes Flight

AN EAGLE TAKES FLIGHT

At a special Eagle Court of Honor to be held at the American Legion Post #232 in Barnegat December 2014, Frank Smentkowski will earn the highest rank a Boy Scout can achieve and a new Eagle Scout will take flight. This honor is but one of the many achievements that make this young man stand out from the others and the project he completed will stand out in the community for years to come.

Frank is the son of Lisa and Jim Smentkowski of Toms River.

To earn this honor, Frank had to demonstrate his leadership ability by completing a project to benefit his community. He set his sights on building new signs for Ocean County’s Cattus Island Park. He led others to build two new signs; and to do the landscaping, including shrubs, flowers, and mulch, around the signs. First, he had to obtain the county’s permission to do the project, then his responsibilities included procuring the supplies, coordinating and supervising the volunteers and managing the project through to completion. Frank enlisted the help of fellow scouts, leaders, parents and friends. Now two new signs are ready for all to enjoy at Cattus Island Park.

Frank’s leadership abilities were already present when he joined Troop 26, of Barnegat in 2007 , but then Frank’s scouting experiences took off. He has been an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and a Senior Patrol leader, the two highest leadership positions a scout can have in a troop. He has participated in a number of summer camps, many community service projects and volunteer projects. He also attended the National Boy Scout Jamboree in 2013, held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia

A senior at Toms River High School East, where he has participated in the Ski Club. Frank also has been on the Track team and the Wrestling team. In his spare time he likes to hunt, camp, ride his quad and work around the family farm.

He plans to become an Agricultural Diesel Mechanic for John Deere

Frank would especially like to thank his parents, fellow scouts, scout leaders, friends, and all who made this project possible. He would also like to extend his appreciation to Harry’s Sign Works of Englishtown, NJ; Tidbury Creek Farms, Slammin’ Canz, and EJI Landscaping all of Monroe, NJ; The Ocean County Parks and Recreation Department and Mr. and Mrs. Cottington for their donations to the project. He recognizes and appreciates the time and energy of everyone who supported him in completing his Eagle project.

Frank’s Eagle Court of Honor ceremony will be at the American Legion Post # 232 on Route 9 in Barnegat.