Joe Petrozzini and Andy Shook of Boy Scout Troop 40 earned Eagle Scout awards. Both seniors at High School North, they began their scouting careers as Tiger Cubs in Pack 40, received the Arrow of Light, and bridged to Troop 40.
Petrozzini led Troop 40 in the planting of 10 Red Sunset maple trees at Conover Park in West Windsor. He wanted to provide shade for athletes between games, as well as providing a benefit to the environment — a positive impact on the community that he feels strongly about. At North, he is a member of the school soccer team and plays for the Metrostars travel soccer team. “Attaining the rank of Eagle gives me a great sense of accomplishment and something I am very proud of,” says Petrozzini. “I feel fortunate to have been a part of Troop 40 as I advanced through scouting.”
Leadership positions include lead instructor and assistant senior patrol leader. After being selected to attend the National Youth Leadership Training course, Petrozzini was selected to join the NYLT staff and has served for the past three years.
A member of the Order of the Arrow, the Boy Scout honor society, he has attended two national scout Jamborees and served as an assistant senior patrol leader for one of them. His camping experiences include several years at Camp NoBeBosCo, the West Point camporee, the Klondike winter camp out, sailing at Sea Base in the Florida Keys, and participating in a trek adventure at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
“Being a Boy Scout has given me countless opportunities to develop and improve my leadership skills, meet new people, and travel to great places to hike, camp, and try new things,” says Petrozzini. “Scouting is a great adventure and something I will remember for the rest of my life.
Shook, a member of Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church, the church that sponsors Troop 40, since he was very young, wanted to do something for the church. He has served on Session, the administrative committee; is an active member of the youth group, and has volunteered for both vacation Bible camp and Habitat for Humanity. Shook coordinated volunteers from the troop to build a fire pit and log benches in the picnic area behind the church. His project is now used for many church events and Troop 40’s annual barbecue.
At North Shook has served as the crew chief for the stage crew, goalie on the lacrosse team, and was inducted into the National Honor Society. He has also helped coach lacrosse for first and second grade boys through the WWPC lacrosse program. At the Citizen’s Rifle and Revolver Club, he has achieved the rank of Sharpshooter Bar Four.
Leadership positions include chaplain’s aide and assistant senior patrol leader, and he was selected to attend the National Youth Leadership Training course. Shook attended the 2010 national Jamboree, camped at Camps NoBeBosCo and Rodney, and sailed the Florida Keys at SeaBase.
“I am proud to be an Eagle Scout,” Shook says. “The experiences, skills, and values learned through scouting will remain with me throughout my life.”
