Cub Scouts to Eagle Scouts: 3 more Eagles added to Unit 305 Legacy
Unit 305 proudly convened the Eagle Court of Honor at St. Stephen’s Church in Kearny on Sunday afternoon, September 25, 2022, to celebrate the accomplishments of three Eagle Scouts. In order of earning the highest rank in scouting, Corbin Titus Rakauckas, John Peter Kubowicz, and Joseph William Drefko, were praised for their hard work, dedication, and example of how to live the Scout Oath and Law. Each shared personal remarks in a thoughtful reflection of their individual journeys and expressed gratitude for assistance along the way. They were challenged further to accept the Eagle Charge to reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of scouting.
Unit 305’s newest Eagle Scouts taken for the program for the Eagle Court of Honor (pictured left to right, alphabetically): Joseph William Drefko, John Peter Kubowicz, Corbin Titus Rakauckas. Photo credit: David Nelson Photography
The three Eagle Scouts that Unit 305 honored are all recognized leaders within their schools, parish, and pack/troop. Over their years in the Unit, these Eagle Scouts held more than 11 different leadership positions and are all graduates of the prestigious National Youth Leadership Training program. During their Trail to Eagle, they earned a total of 104 merit badges, advanced 21 ranks, directed 3 service projects, summited New Hampshire’s Mount Washington in a high adventure trip, and contributed hundreds of hours to the service work performed by their fellow scouts.
The Kearny community has benefited greatly from their Eagle Scout Service Projects. Working alongside their fellow scouts, leaders, and families, these young men:
• Provided a much-needed facelift to the façade of the Kearny Elks Lodge;
• Constructed a contemplative prayer garden for all to pray the Stations of the Cross; and
• Refurbished the monument to the Four Chaplains at St. Stephen’s Church.
In true Eagle fashion, the journey of service continues for the three newest members serving as the current Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and Troop Guide. These young men will be active examples as they guide their fellow scouts in pursuit of scouting’s highest rank. Unit 305 thanks the following professionals for their contribution to the Eagle Court of Honor: Robert Maidhof, Jerry Ficeto, Amy Connolly, John Kubowicz, David Nelson, Mayor Alberto Santos, and Fr. Joseph Mancini. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is one of the most challenging aspects of Scouting. Only approximately 4% of all Scouts merit this prestigious recognition. In addition to earning a minimum of 21 merit badges, including 13 required ones, scouts must complete an extensive community service project that benefits an organization other than the Boy Scouts of America. The Eagle candidate is expected to plan, fundraise, secure materials, and oversee the execution of a completed project, including managing scout leaders and fellow scouts in leadership activities throughout the endeavor.
Troop/Pack 305 was organized in 1933 and continues to provide youth leadership training to boys and young men in Kearny, Harrison, East Newark, and surrounding towns as Unit 305. For more information or to join, contact through the website www.KearnyScouts.com.
Written by: Christine Jablonski, Social Media Chair