PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, March 30, Parsippany High School Sophomore Rahul Bhavesh Patel earned his Eagle Scout. Joining in the celebration was his parents, Shital and Bhavesh Patel, along with his grandparents Surbhi Shah and Laxmiben Patel.
The Eagle Scout Award is Scouting’s highest rank and among its most familiar icons. Men who have earned it count it among their most treasured possessions. Those who missed it by a whisker remember exactly which requirement they didn’t complete. Americans from all walks of life know that being an Eagle Scout is a great honor. The award is more than a badge. It’s a state of being. The Eagle Scout may have received the badge as a boy, but you earn it every day as a man. In the words of the Eagle Scout Promise, they do your best each day to make their training and example, their rank and their influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship in the troop, in their community, and in their contacts with other people. And to this they pledge their sacred honor.
Rahul’s project involved improvements to Taylor Field Pathway, Gallo Field Garden and Taylor Field Garden. These recreation areas are instrumental to the Little League Baseball program and keep the memories of Congressman Dean Gallo and Houston Taylor alive.
The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then, the mountain climbing begins. The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. The first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and, finally, Eagle Scout.
Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million young men. Only 5% of the Boy Scouts actually earn this rank
The highlight of the afternoon was listening to Rahul’s three closest friends.
Neer Patel said “I met Rahul for the first time in eighth grade right after I moved here. I was the new kid who didnt know where I was going and what to do. Rahul was one of the few people that talked to me and helped me get around. He would see me in the halls completely lost and guide me on how to get around the school. I was very socially awkward when I moved to Parsippany. He helped me fit in with his friends. During lunch he would invite me to sit with everyone and helped me make friends. I always felt like I never would fit in because I was the new kid, but he helped me realize that that wasn’t true and helped me make most of the friends. Rahul has been such a great friend to me and everyone he is around. Rahul is always there for me whenever I needed any help or advice. He is always there for us and will always find a way to change out mood from being sad to happy. He brings this positive vibe whenever he is around and looks out for all of us. You are one of the most approachable people I know and I’m thankful for that because not enough people do that anymore.”
“4th grade was a turning point in my life, said Adarsa Pedada. “It was the year I moved to Parsippany. Being the new kid, it was hard to fit in at first, and for a bit, I was referred to “as the new kid” and haven’t yet found a friend group until I joined cub scouts. That is when I met Rahul. We slowly became close friends as we both had many things common, and he brought me into his friend group, which made me more comfortable at this new place. From there, our friendship only increased and now Rahul is my best friend. And through our six years of friendship, we had our ups and downs. I learned a lot from Rahul. He was always there for me if I had any questions or any hard times throughout middle and high school, and was a great moral support for me. Just like me, Rahul likes to hang out with friends and spend time outside of school,” continued Adarsa.
Vishal Tanguturu said “There are only a few people out of a large group that are gracious and social with everyone and one of these people is Rahul. I met Rahul in seventh grade and since then we have been best friends becoming closer as time passes. I’m not the type of person who easily fits into a group or have the ability to easily make friends but once I met Rahul, he made it seem so easy. Wherever he goes, he makes sure not to forget the positive vibe he brings to our group of friends. Rahul is kind to everyone and always feels the need to make someone’s day better. He has the qualities of a great role model which makes him the perfect candidate for eagle scout. Rahu!’s greatest quality is his helping nature which makes him the perfect recipient of the eagle scout award. Rahul is always ready and willing to help anyone with anything from homework to just being there when you need someone to talk to. His helpful nature applies to everyone and everything around him. He always takes the opportunity to do something helpful for the society. The most unbelievable thing is he has accumulated almost 1000 volunteer hours till now which I don’t think anyone else I know has been able to achieve. There is a famous quote, “The greatest good is what we do for one another”. Rahul is a prime example of this quote and his helpful nature has made him the great guy and best friend he is today. Congrats on achieving such a high honor Rahul, because I’m sure everyone here can agree you deserve it.”
Mrs. Brenda Sonzogni, a member of the advancement chair of Troop 72 elaborated on the importance of obtaining the achievement of Eagle Scout. The presentation of the Eagle Scout badge is an important and serious event, the climax and the goal for which a Scout works many years, an occasion for pride and joy, a time for serious contemplation. It is the culmination of efforts of the various leaders of this Scout The Eagle Scout Award is the highest and most coveted rank in Scouting; the last major step in the advancement program. Fewer than 5% of all Scouts in the United States reach the Eagle Scout rank.
The requirements for the Eagle Scout rank are as follows:
- Be active in your troop and patrol for at least six months as a Life Scout.
- Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life.
- Earn 21 merit badges, including the 12 that are required-First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving, Environmental Science, Personal Management, Swimming or Hiking or Cycling, Camping, and Family Life.
- Serve actively in an approved position of responsibility for a period of six months after becoming a Life Scout.
- Plan, develop, and lead others in carrying out a service project worthy of an Eagle Scout. 6. Take part in a Scoutmaster conference.
- Appear before a board of review of prominent persons, and satisfy them that you have done your best to understand and live up to the Scout Oath and Law and, in all ways, qualify for the Eagle Scout Award.
Rahul, proficiency in the various crafts and skills prescribed for the Eagle Scout rank has been checked, and the records of merit badges earned by the Scout have been approved and certified by the counselors appointed by the court. The Scout has qualified on the basis of merit badge achievement. Eagle Scout candidate Rahul Patel has earned 35 merit badges including the 12 required Eagle badges.
Rahul Patel demonstrated his capacity and willingness to exert leadership in activities that are constructive and worthwhile in this community. The record has been checked in troop leadership, school affairs, and in other fields of work and service. He has demonstrated loyalty and duty to God and country.
