Bridgewater-Raritan High School Sophomore Girl Becomes An Eagle Scout

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Charlotte Slye is a groundbreaker.

In February 2019, girls were allowed to join Scouts BSA, which was formerly known worldwide as Boy Scouts.

Charlotte, who is a sophomore at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, and four other girls became members of Scouts BSA and they eventually created Troop 01, which is based out of Pluckemin.

So in just a short time, this groundbreaker is now also referred to as an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Scouts BSA program.

Charlotte was honored with this ranking on Sunday, May 7.

Her prestigious achievement capped a strenuous schedule.

But, as Charlotte revealed, the experience was worth it.

"Becoming an Eagle Scout is probably the most fulfilling experience I have had in my life," Charlotte stated. “ The amount of hard work, dedication and time management required was
unlike anything I have ever done before."

Meanwhile, Charlotte wears another uniform—-she is a member of the Bridgewater-Raritan
High School girls’ lacrosse team.

She was joined at the Eagle Scout ceremony at the Pluckemin Church by two of her lacrosse
teammates, Lily Korsun and Sphie Kraus.

Her lacrosse coach at Bridgewater-Raritan High, Kathy DeBonis, spoke highly of her player–and
Eagle Scout.

"Charlotte is a leader both on and off the lacrosse field," Coach DeBonis said. "We are proud of Charlotte for being so empowered and for being a pioneer in the quest of becoming an Eagle
Scout."

Coach DeBonis reported that, according to Gail Naughton, who was Troop 01’s first Scoutmaster, Charlotte was one of the scouts who helped build the troop from the ground up and established the identity of Troop 01 such as choosing the blue and silver neckerchiefs that are a part of the uniform. Charlotte’s mother, Kelly Slye, was also involved and helped launch this troop for the girls scouts.

Now under Scoutmaster Jen Neu-Ott, Troop 01 has grown to 30 girls who hail from 10 towns.

Charlotte’s path to her elite recognition was highlighted when she earned 21 Merit Badges while she held various leadership positions in the troop. She worked her way through the six ranks and her culminating service project included building bird houses and benches for the Schiff Nature Preserve in Mendham.

Charlotte is the second member of Troop 01 to earn Eagle Scout. Another founding member, Cathlin Naughton,a Bridgewater-Raritan High School graduate, earned the distinguished honor in March of 2022.

Charlotte keeps a very buddy schedule.

She participates in numerous community service events both in school and out, and as well as being a player on the high school’s girls’ lacrosse team, she also runs for Bridgewater-Raritan’s cross-country squad in the fall.

"She has unshakable confidence, leads by example, is a team player with a strong moral compass," Coach DeBonis said. “She will continue to soar in all endeavors and will continue to lift those around her."

Yes, Charlotte is prepared to continue on her journey.

"The life experiences I have gained from Scouting as a whole are something that I will carry with me more the rest of my life," she said. "Other than the physical skills I had to learn, such as first aid or knot tying, I also had to develop my soft skills such as leadership. It made me a more well-rounded and reliable person."

"Becoming an Eagle Scout is probably the most fulfilling experience I have had in my life. The amount of hard work, dedication, and time management required was unlike anything I have ever done before."

"The life experiences I have gained from Scouting as a whole are something that I will carry with me more the rest of my life. Other than the physical skills I had to learn, such as first aid or knot tying, I also had to develop my soft skills- such as leadership. It made me a more well-rounded and reliable person."

From,
Charlotte Slye

— Submitted by Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School Distict