Two scouts earn Eagle rank

WEST MILFORD — Sean Michael Hall and Jeremy Oliver Todd-Schlieper are two local young men recently earned their Eagle Scout recognition at a Court of Honor ceremony on Nov. 28, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Church in West Milford. Sean and Jeremy both earned their rank as members of Troop 114, chartered by St. Joseph’s Church and led by Scoutmaster Jeff Hanson.

The son of Kevin and Mary Hall, Sean is a freshman at Ramapo College. He became a Cub Scout in 2006 and has served as patrol leader, instructor, and assistant senior patrol leader.

For his Eagle project, Sean Hall led the building of a new storage shed for the West Milford High School Marching Band.

The Marching Band uses many oversized props and stands as well as an ATV in order to rehearse, perform at football games and compete. The existing storage shed was well worn, with leaks and rotted flooring. Likewise, its construction was such that there was no easy access to equipment without having to maneuver around the ATV. The marching band needed a storage area that was larger, weather-resistant and built with the idea of allowing access along with being able to house the ATV.

Sean’s project was designed with this in mind. The old structure was demolished and a brand new storage shed was constructed. The new shed is almost 45 percent larger, measuring 10 by 10 feet and is also of greater height. It now has two entrances allowing access without having to disturb the ATV. Likewise, it is weatherproof, better protecting the band’s equipment.

The structure is built entirely from oak, so it will last for a long time. The total project cost just under $1,000 and was supported by donations from members of the troop, members of the band, the PTSO and the Band Parents Association as well as family. Total man hours for the project were 328 and included the efforts of 16 fellow scouts, nine assistant scoutmasters, five band students, and four adults from other troops.

Sean would like to extend his sincerest gratitude and thanks to his parents, the West Milford Band Parents Association, The West Milford PTA, RJS Tree Services, and Arc Construction.

Jeremy is the son of Scott and Heather Todd-Schlieper and a freshman at Rowan University. Jeremy became a Cub Scout in Pack 9 in 2002 and has served as chaplain’s aide, quartermaster, patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and senior patrol leader. He attends St. Joseph’s Church in West Milford.

Jeremy's Eagle project was the second addition to St. Joseph's Outdoor Chapel, located behind the Parish Center.

After the research was completed, Jeremy constructed a Kiosk exhibiting the 12 Stations of the Cross and, upon receiving approval for the location of the project, he followed his plan and solicited donations from local vendors.

The first step involved digging two, three-foot deep holes for the foundation of the kiosk with special thanks to Mr. Graf for bringing his excavator to the site and helping Jeremy accomplish this through extremely rocky soil.

Next, the frame for the kiosk was constructed on site and the footings were secured with several hundred pounds of concrete. The completed frame was then refinished with four coats of a four-year guaranteed outdoor stain.

The fourth step of the project involved constructing a 48" x 60" display board that was to hold the 12, 9" x 12" scenes depicting the Stations of the Cross. After the display board was completed and the Stations of the Cross mounted - a large sheet of clear acrylic was custom cut and secured to the face of the display board ensuring a strong, weather-proofing seal.

Finally, a large shingled roof was constructed and placed on top of the kiosk to further protect the work from the elements and, at the request of Father Steve, a protective screen was installed under the roof to deter any nesting birds.

Jeremy acknowledges and thanks the following local vendors and helpers for their donations of materials, tools and personal time helping throughout the three week construction portion of this project: Ace Hardware, West Milford; Sussex Plastics, Sparta; Creative Landscaping and Design and the Gabay Family; Mr. Graf; Father Steve, St. Joseph’s Church;, Bob Sautter, St. Joseph’s Church; Troop 114 Scout leaders, scouts and adults, as well as his family.

To earn the Eagle Scout Rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in leadership, community service and outdoor skills. While there are many options available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tasks, which are organized by requirements and merit badges. Merit badges signify the mastery of certain Scout craft skills, as well as serving to increase skills in areas of personal interest. Of the more than 150 merit badges available, 21 must be earned to qualify for Eagle Scout.

Beginning with Star Rank, and continuing through the rank of Life and Eagle, a scout must demonstrate participation in increasingly more responsible community service projects.

The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting, but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. About 2.5 percent of all Boy Scouts earn the rank. This represents more than one million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1911.