Becoming an Eagle Scout is a great accomplishment requiring years of dedication and hard work. The Eagle Award is the highest, most coveted rank in Boy Scouts and it is not easily earned. Generally, only 4 percent of all Scouts in the United States reach the rank of Eagle. Granby Venture Crew 2015 is proud to announce four new Eagle Scouts: Spencer Bolton, Chris Kardys, Joseph LaFlamme, and Chris Murach.
Since first grade, these young men have been committed to training for leadership, the practice of service and the building of character. Requirements include positions of leadership within their unit, earning a minimum of 21 merit badges including 12 Eagle required badges, and embracing the Scout Oath and Law into their daily lives. Years of dedication that culminated with each of these teens being responsible for planning, developing, fundraising, executing their Eagle Project and leading others in a service project worthy of an Eagle Scout.
Spencer Bolton fell in love with the Mary Edwards Property as a child. He enjoyed many outings on the property with his fellow scouts and it became his personal goal to add opportunities for the public to enjoy the landscape. Spencer has improved the Mary Edwards Preserve by restoring the existing flagpole, adding a small stone wall by the entrance to the trail and building and installing a wood bench by the pond. Spencer is following his passion for nature and its beauty by traveling to Europe and utilizing the many skills he learned in scouting.
Chris Kardys made his church, the North Canton Community United Methodist Church, more energy efficient. His project entailed installing insulation under the sanctuary of the church, placing a plastic vapor barrier under the church, weather-stripping the sanctuary windows and doors and replacing all the lights in the church to LED. Chris has always been curious and inquisitive which has led him to study engineering at UCONN.
Joseph LaFlamme created an outdoor prayer area with a fire pit in the woods behind Pilgrim Covenant Church in Granby. The fire pit now serves as an area for prayer, reflection, and worship. Joey’s church youth community utilizes the space for game nights and weekly youth group events. He is kind and faithful to others. He is attending the University of Maine and aspires to be a youth minister.
Chris Murach always enjoyed the Granby Public Library as a child. For his project, he overhauled the entrance to the library making it more inviting so more people would use it. Chris regraded the entrance, designed and installed new landscaping, repaired the broken bike rack and power washed the entrance. He hopes that patrons enjoy the new entrance, especially when it is in full bloom. Chris has a big heart and a passion to help others. He is attending Castleton University and studying psychology in order to pursue his dream of becoming a school psychologist.
Granby is a very special town; some would say it’s above average and it is. This town exceeds the national average in Eagle Scouts because this community cares for its young people. These four young men are humbled by the generosity and support the townspeople have shown them—they are grateful and say thank you.
These four Eagle Scouts have assumed a solemn obligation to do their Duty to God, to Country, to their fellow Scouts and to mankind. For centuries, the bald eagle has been a symbol of beauty, bravery, courage, honor, pride, determination and grace. These Eagle Scouts will soar high and with the qualities of an eagle, they can lead their community and nation toward a better tomorrow.