Local Scout’s Project Boosts GRACE Facility, Earns Eagle Rank

The community is celebrating a remarkable accomplishment as Phoenix Rydzewski has earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Scouting. Phoenix, a member of the BSA Troop 67 in Summit, NJ, achieved this milestone through years of dedication, leadership, and service — culminating in an impactful project that will continue to benefit local families for years to come.
For his Eagle Scout service project, Phoenix partnered with Amanda Block and Apollo Hrehorovich from the GRACE organization, a local nonprofit committed to fighting food insecurity. Together, they led an effort to refloor the Cornog Field House, transforming the space to maximize storage capabilities for food distribution. This improvement directly supports GRACE’s mission of providing nutritious meals and resources to more than 700 food-insecure families in the area.
The project required extensive planning, fundraising, and teamwork. Phoenix organized volunteers, coordinated materials, and oversaw construction to ensure the project was completed safely and efficiently. His leadership not only resulted in a more functional storage facility but also strengthened community partnerships and awareness of local hunger relief efforts.
“Phoenix’s project is a perfect example of how young people can make a tangible difference,” said Scoutmaster Robert Rydzewski of Troop 67. “His initiative and hard work will have a lasting impact on GRACE's ability to serve families in need.”
Earning the Eagle Scout rank is a rare and commendable achievement — only a small percentage of Scouts reach this level. Phoenix’s commitment to service, leadership, and community improvement reflects the core values of Scouting and sets a strong example for others to follow.
Congratulations to Eagle Scout Phoenix Rydzewski on this outstanding accomplishment and for his contribution to making our community stronger and more compassionate.