Boy Scout Troop 1346 has recently conducted several award ceremonies to recognize Scout advancements. Four Scouts recently were recognized for achieving Eagle Scout, the highest advancement in Scouting. In addition, other Scouts have been recognized for advancements and merit badges.
Greg Lang attained the rank of Eagle Scout by leading the construction of a much-needed storage facility at Burke United Methodist Church. He is a recent graduate of Robinson Secondary School, where he played the cello in the symphonic orchestra and was president of the Biology Club. Greg is also an active soccer player with a local youth league and was an active participant on numerous church mission trips to North Carolina and the Dominican Republic. He will attend the University of Wisconsin at Madison this fall and plans to be a veterinarian.
Bryan Bumstead's Eagle Scout project included leading the construction of six picnic tables for a shelter at Hemlock Overlook Park and refurbishing several other shelter tables. Bryan is a rising senior at J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church. Bryan attended Robinson Secondary School for three years, was a three-year letterman in football and was on the state championship football team in fall 2001. He played lacrosse both his freshman and sophomore year and received the lacrosse Coaches Award at the end of his sophomore year. Recently, he received an Outstanding Junior Award at Robinson. He will play football and lacrosse at Stuart High School and will also be involved with the school newspaper and video journalism classes. He works part time at Hudson Trail Outfitters at Fair Oaks Mall and is attending Philmont Scout Ranch this summer.
Stephen Kibbe attained the rank of Eagle Scout for leading the demolition and construction of new split-rail fencing at Burke Lake Park. Stephen is a rising sophomore and honor roll student at Woodson High School and is an avid athlete. He plays soccer, runs cross country and track, and recently completed his first year of rowing. Stephen was recently the focus of a sports highlight on Channel WRC-4 for being a deaf crew rower. He is active in his church youth group and enjoys mountain biking. This summer, he is going to the Allagash Wilderness Area in Maine to canoe with Crew 1346.
Patrick Bergstresser's Eagle Scout project involved leading the construction and installation of four benches for the camping area at Burke Lake Park. Patrick is a rising junior at Lake Braddock Secondary School, where he plays trumpet in the Symphonic Band and is a member of the National Honor Society. Patrick plays soccer for a local soccer club and recently received a black belt in tae kwon do. He was the 2003 recipient of the Boy Scout Troop 1346 James Lehrer Award for excellence in Scout commitment and leadership. He is also canoeing in Maine with Crew 1346 this summer.
The following Troop 1346 Scouts have also attained advancements: Life Scout, Drew Glidden; Star Scout, Michael Dold; First Class, Robert Barbu, Bradley Burgess, Ryan Holleran, Peter Yount, Robert Brese, John Delekto and Ian Stanchi; Scout, Bobby Beatty, Edward Lane, Ryan Olsen, Michael Shafer, Alec Fernandez, George Lee and Lucas Papadakis.
Troop 1346's recent activities have included participating in scouting on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C.; the Boy Scout Spring Camporee at Highroad; and white-water rafting in Ohiopyle, Pa. The troop is attending summer camp at Camp Powhattan in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Troop 1346 is sponsored by Burke Presbyterian Church and meets on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. at Terra Centre Elementary School. For information, visit www.troop1346.org.