Eagle Scout Celebrated For Achievement In Long Valley

LONG VALLEY, NJ — A Boy Scout from Washington Township recently achieved scouting's highest honor. Mayor Matthew Murello and members of the local police department recognized him for his service at a recent ceremony.

Washington Township officials presented a formal proclamation to Mount Olive High School senior Nicholas Franz, welcoming him into the rank of Eagle Scout. Franz is a member of Long Valley Troop 236, Murello said.

Washington Township Police Department Cpl. Derek Heymer attended the award ceremony and presented Franz with a letter of recognition from the department.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America's BSA program. Since its inception in 1911, roughly four percent of Scouts have attained this prestigious rank, following a rigorous review process, according to officials.

To earn the rank of Eagle Scout, Scouts must plan, develop and lead a service project that benefits a religious institution, school, or another part of the local community.

Franz's Eagle Scout project involved renovating a popular community trail in the township.

To complete the project, he consulted with members of the Morris County Parks Commission to obtain approval for constructing and installing puncheon bridges along the Patriots Path trail at the back of Palmer Park.

Franz, officially ranked as an Eagle Scout on Sunday, is the second member of his family to achieve this honor. His brother Daniel was inducted into the rank in 2022, according to Troop 236 records.

Long Valley Troop 236 was chartered in September 1986 by Saint Mark the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church. Over the past 37 years, the troop has seen many Scouts pass through its ranks, producing more than 120 Eagle Scouts.