Matthew deRito Earns the Rank of Eagle Scout

Matthew Leon deRito, a member of Berlin Boy Scout Troop 44, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Boy Scouting.

Matthew joined Cub Scout Pack 13 in the second grade. He earned many belt loops, activity pins, and in 2005, the Arrow of Light. In the fifth grade, he joined Berlin Boy Scout Troop 256 where he worked his way from the rank of Tenderfoot to First Class, attended summer camp and spent a week canoeing more than 50 miles down the Delaware River. He also spent many weekends camping, even in the winter cold. Matthew later transferred to Boy Scout Troop 44, where he also enjoyed camping and hiking trips, community service projects, and other fun activities.

Matthew earned 40 merit badges and held several leadership positions; patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, instructor, and quartermaster.  He was elected by fellow Troop 256 scouts to the Order of the Arrow, scouting’s national honor society, where he has advanced to the Brotherhood level. He has received both of the Roman Catholic Boy Scout religious awards available, Ad Altari Dei and Pope Pius XII.  He also logged more than 100 nights of camping earning the BSA National 100 Nights and Days of Camping award.

Under the supervision of Dr. Scott Ratchford, Principal at Catherine M. McGee Middle School, Matthew planted Wichita Blue Juniper evergreens in the front of the school. The tree beds were then meticulously mulched, instantly upgrading the school appearance. The addition of the trees provided natural beauty and color year round for everyone to enjoy.

Matthew resides in Berlin, son of Anthony and Helen deRito, brother of Thomas and Christopher deRito, and grandson of Stanislawa Supinski. He is a 2012 Berlin High School graduate with plans to attend Tunxis Community College.

Boy Scout Troop 44, Berlin CT, is sponsored by the Berlin Lions Club meets every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at the Bethany Covenant Church.