Millburn Scouts Host Fall Court Of Honors

MILLBURN, NJ - Millburn/Short Hills Troop 17 Boy Scouts and their families gathered at St. Rose of Lima Church for its Fall Court of Honor ceremony.

he event, officiated by Scouts Matthew Kirshenbaum and Ander Berman, featured the formal recognition of the Troop's new youth leadership team, as well as the awarding of merit badges and other honors earned by Scouts over the summer.

Senior Patrol Leaders Thomas Beacham and Nicky Starace began the evening by introducing their Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders and Patrol Leaders. The various youth leaders — including scribes, quartermasters, troop guides, and historians — received their patches.

The ceremony continued with the awarding of more than 150 merit badges, most of which were earned at Yawgoog Scout Reservation over the summer. Scoutmaster Kevin Radics then distributed special camp awards. Summer Camp Senior Patrol Leaders Lucas Davis and Vincent Wong accepted the Camp Medicine Bow Honor Award and Water Carnival Award, and Ander Berman took home the camp's Fishing Derby prize. Because a key focus of the event was rank advancement, large wooden likenesses of the seven Scout ranks, made and refurbished by Dr. Howard Berman of Livingston and on loan from Troop 12, were on display.

A key highlight of the ceremony was overseen by new Troop 17 Committee Chairman Jeff Davis and outgoing Chairman Jim McKenna. Eagle Scout Ryan Cannon was awarded the prestigious Medal of Merit, earned by only 100 Scouts each year. The award, given to Scouts who demonstrate exceptional acts of service, was bestowed in acknowledgement of Ryan's steadfast fundraising efforts in the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. A feature article about Ryan and his accomplishment will appear in an upcoming issue of the Millburn/Short Hills Patch.

After comments by Millburn Mayor Dianne Thall-Eglow, who acknowledged the Scouts for their service and contributions to the community, attendees then convened in the St. Rose of Lima gym to continue the celebrations over refreshments.

Thanks for reading! Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading, or by visiting the Google Play store.