Travis Pesce of Windham was awarded the highest honor in Boy Scouts, the Eagle Scout rank, which was awarded at a ceremony on Sunday at Cressey Road United Methodist Church surrounded by family and friends, including many past Eagle Scouts from Travis’s Troop, 51. The master of ceremony for the event was Scoutmaster of troop 70 Arthur Morse.
“I’m
pretty excited. It’s been a long time coming,” said Travis. “I’m speechless.”
To
reach the rank of Eagle Scout, Travis and all Eagle Scouts must complete 21
merit badges, some which involve camping outside for at least 10 days or
keeping track of physical fitness for 90 days. All Eagles are required to do a
community service project that benefits the community.
Travis
built three ADA benches and picnic tables at Donnabeth Lippman Park in Windham,
with the help of his fellow Scouts.
“What
a class act. He’s a marked man in all the good ways,” said Senator Bill
Diamond, who presented Travis with a legislative sentiment with Representatives
Mark Bryant and Patrick Corey.
“It
makes us proud for the community,” said Bryant.
He
was approved for this award nine days before he turned 18, which is the cut off
to earn the rank, by going before a board of adults to answer questions about
his Scouting experience and the completed project. Travis is a senior at
Windham High School.
“I
really didn’t think I would make it to this point,” Travis told the audience.
“I thought about quitting a bunch, then I stepped up my game.”
A
special moment in his ceremony came when Travis was presented his Eagle badge
and neckerchief by his grandparents Harold (Mac) and Filena McKenney.
Travis
is the youngest of three Eagle Scouts in his family. His brothers Brandon and
Devin both are Eagle Scouts. Brandon participated in the ceremony.
Travis
earned 24 merit badges on a variety of topics. Next year he hopes to attend
MEMA for HVAC training. He enjoys fishing and hiking.
Travis
is the son of Wendy and Steve Pesce.
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