Two Culver City and two Santa Monica teenagers will receive the highest rank one can earn in the Boy Scouts at the Troop 2 Winter Court of Honor. Christopher Capron, Jason Pitts, Andrew Sussman, and Charles Villero will be honored with the rank of Eagle Scout on Sunday, Feb. 13th at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica.
The Eagle rank honors exemplary effort, leadership, and service. Only 2% of Boy Scouts receive the rank. In addition to demonstrating proficiency in first aid, citizenship, camping, swimming, emergency preparedness and many other skills, Eagle candidates must coordinate and complete a community service project that demonstrates significant leadership abilities.
Each of the four Eagle scout candidates developed an innovative project designed to improve the quality of life for people in their communities. Capron created a sustainable teaching garden at Mt. Olive Preschool in Santa Monica by clearing pipes, roots and debris and installing irrigation, pavers and landscaping. Pitts instructed fourth- and fifth-graders on various instruments, culminating in a concert performance at Will Rogers Elementary School. Sussman refurbished and painted the Ballona Wetlands Field Office in Playa del Rey, adding tool, burlap and hose racks. Villero rebuilt, enlarged and repainted the Santa Monica High School tennis team’s equipment shed. Sussman is a senior at Culver City High School. Capron, Pitts and Villero are seniors at Santa Monica High School.
Troop 2 is one of the oldest and largest Boy Scout troops in the Western United States. In its 63-year history, the troop has graduated 285 Eagle Scouts, saved at least 56 lives and represented the region at national and international events.