Two Avon Scouts Earn Eagle Rank, Marking Years of Service, Leadership, and Achievement

The Eagle Award: A Distinction of Leadership and Service

Scouting America was founded in 1910, and since then, more than 110 million Americans have participated in its programs. The organization’s mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance. Through outdoor adventures, skill-building, and service opportunities, youth gain experiences not found elsewhere.

The Eagle Award is Scouting’s highest rank, achieved by fewer than four percent of Scouts. To earn it, a Scout must complete a rigorous series of six rank advancements—Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life—each with progressively more demanding service, leadership, and merit badge requirements. In total, Eagle candidates must earn at least 21 merit badges, serve in troop leadership positions, and plan and lead a significant service project benefiting their community.

Eagle Scouts are widely recognized for their commitment, leadership, and service—traits that have led many to prominent roles in business, government, and public service. The Eagle Badge represents not only past accomplishments, but also a lifelong promise to uphold the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Formed in 1969, Troop 274 is currently the only Boy Scout troop based in Avon. The troop places a strong emphasis on youth-led leadership, with an active Senior Patrol and a Patrol Leaders Council guiding its operations. The troop’s adult leaders, many with deep Scouting experience, support a wide variety of outdoor, educational, and community service activities that contribute to the development of responsible young men.

Suhayl Ahmed: Scholar, Leader, and Environmental Steward

Suhayl Ahmed began his Scouting journey in third grade with Cub Scout Pack 122. He has since demonstrated exceptional leadership within Troop 274, serving as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, and Senior Patrol Leader during the challenging Florida Sea Base High Adventure Trip.

For his Eagle Project, Suhayl designed and implemented an innovative erosion control system to protect aging infrastructure. His project featured the construction of eight “lasagna-method” raised garden beds, the planting of 24 boxwood shrubs, and the installation of 100 feet of eco-friendly edging. This sustainable solution has lasting environmental and community benefits.

Suhayl is a junior at Avon High School (AHS), where he consistently earns highest honors in a demanding all-AP curriculum. He is a National Merit Scholar and a silver medalist in both Optics and Materials Science events at the CT and Yale Science Olympiads, respectively. In addition, he has twice earned Silver Medals in the national French competition, Concours National De France. A varsity tennis player on AHS’s 2024 Class M state championship team, Vice President of the Muslim Student Association, and an active club participant, Suhayl exemplifies academic and civic excellence.

He credits his parents for their unwavering support and thanks the dedicated adult leaders of Troop 274. He offers special appreciation to Dr. Khamis Abu-Hasaballah, President of the Board of Trustees at FVAMC, whose guidance was instrumental to the success of his Eagle Project.

Owen Soucy: Community-Builder and Future Engineer

Owen began his Scouting adventure in third grade as a Bear in Cub Scout Pack 122. He achieved the Arrow of Light—the highest Cub Scout rank—on March 8, 2018. As a member of Troop 274, Owen participated in many memorable outings, including trips to Philmont Scout Ranch, Sea Base, Lake George, and California. A multi-year Patrol Leader, Owen developed key leadership and teamwork skills through regular campouts, service projects, and troop meetings.

For his Eagle Project, Owen constructed a dual-sided informational kiosk at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Avon. The kiosk includes an updated cemetery map using water spigots as landmarks, information about the historic veteran cross and memorial bricks, and guidance for purchasing burial plots. He also worked to protect and enhance the cemetery’s seven water spigots, improving both aesthetics and utility.

Owen is a senior at Avon High School, where he takes numerous Honors and AP-level courses. He is involved in Model UN, the National Honor Society, and competes in both soccer and track. This fall, Owen will continue his academic and service journey at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he plans to study Civil Engineering.

He expresses gratitude to Mike Gould, Superintendent of St. Ann Cemetery, and Father Fontana, Pastor at St. Ann’s Church, for their support and encouragement throughout his project.

A Proud Moment for Avon and Troop 274

The achievements of Suhayl and Owen reflect the very best of Scouting’s mission. Their dedication, leadership, and service have left a lasting mark on the Avon community. As they take this important step forward, they carry with them the values and experiences that will shape their lives—and their communities—for years to come.