Two Eagle Scouts Honored At Washington Township Committee Meeting

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Two Boy Scouts from Washington Township achieved scouting's highest honor recently, and the township committee honored them for their service on Dec. 19.

Washington Township officials presented formal proclamations to Aidan and Colin O’Neil, welcoming the pair into the rank of Eagle Scout. Both boys are members of Long Valley Troop 436, Mayor Matthew Murello said.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank or achievement in the Boy Scouts of America's Scouts BSA program. Since its inception in 1911, approximately four percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a rigorous review process, officials said.

To receive the rank, Scouts must plan, develop, and lead others in a service project that benefits any religious institution, school, or part of the local community.

For example, Aidan O'Neil's project involved improving the preschool playground at St. Luke's Church, while Colin O'Neil's project involved trail improvements in town, including a 42-foot-long boardwalk and ramps to allow people to hike in a flood-prone area.

More than 95 Boy Scouts within Troop 436 have earned the rank of Eagle Scout, according to the Long Valley Troop 436.

"Colin and Aidan are in Long Valley’s Troop 436 and come from a family of Eagle Scouts and Scout leaders. We are thankful for their projects in town," Murello said.