On April 26, St. Peter’s church hall was the site of the Eagle Ceremony for Fredric Schutte II, Anthony LaRusso, and Scott LaRusso of Scouting USA Troop 101 in Rock Hill.

The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Assistant Scoutmaster Tim Crumley. The ceremony was officially opened by Greater Hudson Valley Council representative Patrick Manion, followed by the invocation by Father Ed Bader. Sullivan County Clerk Russell Reeves led the Pledge of Allegiance. Troop 101 Scoutmaster Chris McGinnis introduced the Eagle Candidates. Troop members recited the Scout Oath and Law and participated in a candle ceremony describing the goals of Scouting. Billie Waterton read the poem ”It’s Only a Pin,” and Troop Committee Chairman Jim Steinberg led the Eagle Charge, a promise and obligation for Eagle Scouts to live up to the ideals of honor, service, and leadership. 

Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is a multi-year process, working through rank requirements, building skills, showing leadership, and providing community service. To complete the rank of Eagle, a scout must design, oversee, and complete an Eagle Project that benefits the community.

Schutte’s Eagle project involved removing overgrown trees and shrubs and creating a serene prayer garden using natural materials at St. Peter’s Church in Liberty. Anthony LaRusso’s project, also at St. Peter’s Church in Liberty transformed a toddler playground into a summer recreation area for parishioners of all ages, adding horseshoe pits, cornhole games, and benches. Scott LaRusso’s project focused on cleaning a statue of St. Peter, which had been neglected for over 30 years, and revitalizing the area, including the removal of an old, unused flagpole at the church.

Guest speakers at the ceremony included Senator Oberacker; Honorable E. Danielle Jose-Decker; Nadia Rajsz, Cat Scott, and Terry Blosser-Bernardo of the Sullivan County Legislature; Howie Goldsmith and John Lacey of the American Legion; Edward Ward of the Knights of Columbus, Dr. Matthew Evans, Supt. of Monticello Central Schools; Dr. Kathleen Bressler, Supt. of Sullivan West Central Schools; Rita Sheehan, Town Clerk of the Town of Bethel; April Rodriguez-Walsh, representing the Liberty Elks #1545; and Patrick Manion, Hudson Delaware District Chairman; and a representative from the office of Paula Kay. The Eagle Scouts were presented with proclamations, graduation cords and gifts.

Each of the new Eagle Scouts gave brief remarks, thanking family, Scout leaders, and others for their help along their trail to Eagle Scout. Father Bob Popora gave the Benediction.

Any youth between the ages of 5 and 19 interested in joining a scouting unit can find a nearby boys or girls pack, troop, or venturing crew at beascout.org.