PARSIPPANY — Rahul Pemmasani and Mark Schletter celebrated achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment recognized at the Eagle Court of Honor held at Parsippany Hills High School on Friday, July 19.
These outstanding young men recently earned the prestigious Rank of Eagle Scout, a testament to their dedication, hard work, and commitment to the values of Scouting.
Rahul Pemmasani achieved this significant milestone on June 11, 2024, while Mark Schletter reached this esteemed rank on March 25, 2024.
Becoming an Eagle Scout is a monumental accomplishment that requires years of perseverance, leadership, and community service. Rahul and Mark have demonstrated exceptional skills and character, embodying the true spirit of Scouting. Their dedication honors Troop 72 and inspires all who aspire to greatness through the Scouting program.
The presentation of the Eagle Scout badge is an important event. It is the goal for which a Scout has worked for many years, an occasion for pride and joy, a time for serious contemplation, and the culmination of the Scout’s efforts and leadership. The Eagle Scout Award is the highest and most coveted rank in Scouting, the last major step in the advancement program. Fewer than six percent of all Scouts in the United States reach the Eagle Scout rank.
Requirements for Eagle:
•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 daily.
•Earn 21 merit badges, including the 14 that are required: First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, Personal Management, Swimming, Camping, and Family Life.
•Serve actively in an approved position of responsibility for six months after becoming a Life Scout.
•Plan, develop, and lead others in carrying out a service project worthy of an Eagle
Scout.
•Take part in a Scoutmaster conference.
•Appear before a board of review of prominent persons and satisfy them that the Scout has done their best to understand and live up to the Scout Oath and Law and, in all ways, qualify for the Eagle Scout Award.
Rahul’s Trail to Eagle:
- Scout: June 20, 2018
- Tenderfoot: April 17, 2019
- Second Class: September 23, 2020
- First Class: August 8, 2022
- Star: December: 8, 2022
- Life: June 8, 2023
- Eagle: June 11, 2024
Rahul earned the following 27 badges: Archery, Basketry, Camping, Canoeing, Chess, Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the World, Communication, Cooking, Electricity, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Science, Family Life, Finger Printing, First Aid, Geology, Lifesaving, Metalwork, Nature, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Plant Science, Railroading, Swimming, Woodcarving, and Citizenship in the Nation.
For his Eagle Scout project, Rahul led an initiative to transform an old, lifeless, plastered wall on the second floor of the Denville campus into an inspiring academic mural. With the help of his family, friends, troop, and the staff at MCST, they created a vibrant homage to the groups of students who represented their school at state and national competitions in fields ranging from finance and business to STEM and healthcare. This project fills Rahul with joy, knowing he contributed something meaningful to the school he cherishes.
Rahul said, “I joined Troop 72 in 2017 when Ashwin Vaithiyalingam invited me. At my first meeting, I saw Scouts planning a camping trip and knew I wanted to be part of it. I loved nature and adventures, from beach trips to snow cabins. An entire week away, summer camp became unforgettable with Ashwin, Ravi, and the troop, filled with lake swimming, adventures, and stargazing. As I grew, I quickly ranked, earning merit badges that taught valuable life skills. Despite the journey’s challenges, I persevered with my parents’ support.
Rahul graduated from the Morris County School of Technology in June and will major in Biomedical Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology. He was a member of the Multicultural Club, ran cross country for four years, was the captain in his senior year, and was part of the National Honor Society and the Technical Honor Society.
Mark’s Trail to Eagle:
- Scout: September 13, 2017
- Tenderfoot: October 10, 2018
- Second Class: October 9, 2019
- First Class: May 28, 2020
- Star: March 29, 2022
- Life: October 11, 2022
- Eagle: March 25, 2024
Mark earned the following 34 badges: Archery, Camping, Canoeing, Chess, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the Nation, Climbing, Communication, Cooking, Digital Technology, Disabilities Awareness, Environmental Science, Family Life, Fingerprinting, First Aid, Fishing, Indian Lore, Kayaking, Law, Leatherwork, Lifesaving, Mammal Study, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Public Health, Rifle Shooting, Rowing, Scholarship, Shotgun Shooting, Small Boat Sailing, Swimming, and Wood Carving.
Mark said his experience: “From the moment I joined the troop, I aimed to achieve Eagle Scout, though I never thought the day would come so quickly. I remember my first car ride to summer camp as a new scout nearly seven years ago. I was nervous about being away for so long, especially in the woods with people I barely knew. However, that nervousness vanished as Mr. Sonzogni and the troop welcomed me warmly. Through activities like wood carving and sailing, I realized scouting was my passion. From snorkeling in the Florida Keys to exploring New York, scouting offered endless adventures. Each trip, merit badge, and Eagle project taught me valuable lessons. This journey was difficult, marked by earning 34 merit badges and overcoming many challenges. I am grateful to my dad for encouraging me to persevere and to my mom for her unwavering support, especially during my Eagle project. The experiences and skills I’ve gained in scouting will last a lifetime.”
Mark graduated from Parsippany Hills High School and is attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall, though he is undecided on his major. He ran cross country for four years and was the captain in his senior year. Mark served as FBLA’s president and environmental club vice president. He loves the outdoors, playing basketball with friends, and playing the drums.
Mr. Andrew Smith concluded the ceremony, “As an Eagle Scout, I’m pleased to welcome you two to the brotherhood of Eagle Scouts. Your achievement recognizes your perseverance, leadership, and commitment to service. The Eagle Award has meaning far beyond Scouting. Your achievements will follow you throughout life. The leadership and honor you have developed will mean more than a certificate and patch. You will have more opportunities to serve through school, work, and Scouting. For the rest of your life, you travel as an Eagle Scout. Welcome!”
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine – August 2024. Click here to view the magazine.
