Sam Williams, a rising senior at Bordentown Regional High School, has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Scouting America.
For his Eagle Scout project, Williams, a member of Troop 13, led a team of scouts and volunteers that built and installed six birdhouses across four Bordentown Township parks: Northern Community Park, Joseph Lawrence Park, Seth Hand Park and Terry Field. The goal: to provide nesting spaces for local bird species that help control mosquito and other insect populations naturally.
The work involved planning, securing approvals from township officials, and organizing multiple workdays. The birdhouses were crafted to specific dimensions to attract beneficial bird species, with materials chosen for durability and weather resistance.
“I learned that insects were bothering park visitors when we were installing my brother’s Eagle Project, so this was a natural progression and a great way to give back to the community,” Williams said. His brother, Luke, is also an Eagle Scout, and his project involved installing a community information board at Terry Field.
Troop 13 Scoutmaster Corey Britt praised Williams’ leadership and commitment. “Earning Eagle is no small feat. Sam demonstrated the initiative, planning, and follow-through we hope to see in all Scouts,” he said. “The impact of his project will be felt for years to come—both by the people who visit our parks and the birds that call them home.”
Williams, who joined scouting in elementary school, completed 325 requirements, earned 42 merit badges and served in multiple leadership roles within his troop. In addition to Scouting, he is active in Bordentown Regional High School bands and the varsity track team, as well as holding down a part-time job. He plans to attend college after graduation.
The rank of Eagle Scout is attained by fewer than 6% of all Scouts, requiring mastery of outdoor skills, completion of at least 21 merit badges, demonstration of leadership, and a service project that benefits the community.
With his Eagle rank, Williams joins a proud tradition of Scouts from Troop 13 who have made lasting contributions to Bordentown and beyond. Troop 13 will celebrate its 100th anniversary later this year.
5 to run for city commissioner board
Bordentown City will hold municipal elections in November this year, after last year’s referendum on whether to change from May elections got enough votes to pass.
The current three-member board passed an ordinance formally moving the election in February. All three commissioner seats are up for grabs together.
As first reported by TapInto Bordentown, five people have tossed their hats into the ring for this year’s nonpartisan election: Mayor Jennifer Sciortino, Grace Archer, Edward Foley, Sean Reiter and Stephanie Lagos. Incumbent Joe Myers, currently deputy mayor, is not running for re-election.
The past couple years have seen upheaval on the board of commissioners. Long-time commissioner James E. Lynch, Jr. resigned in March 2024 after 35 years on the board. Heather Cheesman, tapped to succeed Lynch, resigned this May to take a position as chair of the Burlington County Board of Elections. Her seat remains vacant.
“Four years ago, I ran for Bordentown City Commissioner because I genuinely love this community,” Sciortino wrote on Instagram to announce that she was running again. “…I still feel that way today.”
