Seven new Eagle Scouts (of whom six are pictured) were honored May 18, 2014 at Pennington Presbyterian Church for the achievement of reaching the status of Eagle Scout. From left to right are Oliver Stratton, Greg Miele, Kyle Bennison, Sean Gunther, Jesse Kinnamon, and Emmet Hassett. Not pictured: Brett Long.
Seven Hopewell Township residents earn Eagle Scout rank
By Kyle Kondor Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting, usually obtained at 18-years old after a young man has completed six years of dedication and service on behalf of their respective troop. Statistics show that only four percent of Boy Scouts ever reach this pinnacle, but on May 18, seven local boys made it. Oliver Stratton, Greg Miele, Kyle Bennison, Sean Gunther, Jesse Kinnamon, Emmet Hassett, and Brett Long of Troop 44 in Pennington collected all parts necessary to officially become Eagle Scouts. They received brand new red white and blue neckerchiefs to replace the ones worn during their years as Life Scouts (the rank achieved before advancing to Eagle Scout). They were handed several certificates of acknowledgment signed by Gov. Chris Christie and President Barack Obama, among others. Most importantly, they accepted their Eagle Scout Badges. The badge is no larger than the palm of a hand, but its meaning stretches far beyond its size. It symbolizes the responsibilities of an Eagle Scout, which are honor, loyalty, courage, cheer, and service. Several dozens gathered at the Presbyterian Church in Pennington as the six Hopewell Valley Central High School seniors were recognized at the troops’ annual Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Brett Long was unable to attend the ceremony due to prior obligation. John Hassett was in attendance as his son, Emmet, was being honored. Hassett served as the Scout Master of Troop 44 for five years, and stepped down just a year before the boys “crossed over” to become Eagle Scouts. He had guided a few of the boys since they were only small children starting as Cub Scouts. Hassett explained that three Eagle Scouts are the most he’d ever seen honored at one time until this day. “In this particular troop or anywhere in New Jersey this is an important day,” Hassett said. “We need more leaders today, and we’re pushing all seven of these boys to become leaders.” Throughout the Court of Honor, each individual being recognized that day was asked to speak at the podium. They each discussed their many years and memories as a Boy Scout, and they also acknowledged someone who mentored them throughout that time. Two of them chose John Hassett as their mentor. Also during the speeches, they spoke about their Eagle Scout projects. These important acts of community service done throughout Pennington and Hopewell, N.J. were the final step it took for these men to reach the peak of Boy Scouting. Oliver Stratton designed and installed an information kiosk, repainted a park sign, and did landscaping at Kunkel Park for the Pennington Parks and Recreation Department. Brett Long built a reflection garden behind the St. James rectory. Greg Miele built 10 Adirondack chairs to be placed along the length of the walking paths at the Stony Brook Watershed. Jesse Kinnamon reconstructed a rear deck on a house right next to St. Matthew’s church that belongs to the church. Emmet Hassett constructed a cross-lay fire hose storage cabinet for the Pennington Fire Company. Kyle Bennison facilitated a child sexual abuse awareness program, providing several training sessions throughout Hopewell Valley. That work was in conjuction with the Hopewell Valley YMCA. Lastly, Sean Gunther constructed an outdoor planting garden and four children’s picnic tables for the Pennington Montessori School. “The project took a lot of planning and organizing and it was difficult to meet the deadlines with school and everything,” Gunther said. “But it was a for a great cause and it was nice to finally reach my goal of becoming an Eagle Scout.” Throughout the Court of Honor, everyone was sure to recognize the bond that these seven Eagle Scouts created throughout their years in scouting. Oliver Stratton began scouting as a Cub Scout in Pack 44, which is technically the little brother and elementary school version of Troop 44. “We’ve become very close over the years,” Stratton said. “We get along well and hang out a lot even outside of scouts.” The seven of them attend high school together currently, but they’ve met weekly for scout meetings since middle school, have gone on several weekend camping trips, traveled to New Mexico together, among other places, and also celebrated being Boy Scouts at jamborees all over the country. “When I’m with these guys, I’m the most comfortable I am with anyone,” Gunther said. Although this group of friends may be headed in separate directions after high school and scouting, former Scout Master Jim Hassett described why the Eagle Scout title is something that will stick with them forever. “Scouting is very community oriented so it makes it very worthwhile,” Hassett said. “Some day they may bring their wives and kids back to look at the projects they’ve done.” Aside from the hands on work that they’ve done, it was made sure that the words honor, loyalty, courage, cheer, and service were repeated many times throughout the Court of Honor. These are the five responsibilities that the newest Eagle Scouts Oliver Stratton, Greg Miele, Kyle Bennison, Sean Gunther, Jesse Kinnamon, Emmet Hassett, and Brett Long are embodied to carry throughout the rest of their lives.
Seven new Eagle Scouts (of whom six are pictured) were honored May 18, 2014 at Pennington Presbyterian Church for the achievement of reaching the status of Eagle Scout. From left to right are Oliver Stratton, Greg Miele, Kyle Bennison, Sean Gunther, Jesse Kinnamon, and Emmet Hassett. Not pictured: Brett Long.,
