Mark Chapman and Michael Brut from Troop 338 in Southwick have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. The scouts received their awards at a banquet in their honor at American Legion Post 338. Russ Pike, Troop 338’s Charter Organization Representative and Sally Nay, American Legion MA District 3 Commander present their awards to the Eagle Scouts. (Photo submitted)
SOUTHWICK – In the presence of family, friends, dignitaries, and fellow scouts, two young men from Troop 338 were honored for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Michael Brut and Mark Chapman were presented with their awards at a banquet at the American Legion Post 338 in Southwick.
Michael Brut, is a junior at Westfield Vocational Technical High School in Westfield. For his Eagle Project, Michael and his crew of fellow scouts, family and friends improved Sofinowski Park in Southwick by clearing, re-mapping and marking trails with hand crafted wooden arrows, along with rebuilding an existing bridge structure. He is the son of Carol and Kevin Brut of Westfield. Kevin is the current Scoutmaster of Troop 338.
Mark Chapman is a freshman at Worcester State University. For his Eagle Project, Mark and his crew upgraded the grounds of The Church of Atonement by clearing brush and planting, along with building and installing an information kiosk. He is the son of Eileen and Tim Chapman of Westfield. Tim served as the previous Scoutmaster.
According to the Boy Scouts of America, the Eagle Scout rank is earned by less than five-percent of all Boy Scouts. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks – Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges.
