Boy Scout Troop 75 Announces Three New Eagle Scouts
Boy Scout Troop 75 is pleased to announce that three Scouts recently achieved the rank of Eagle. Andrew Ramirez, William Pritchett and Christian Wurzburger, all of Cranford, were recently honored at a meeting of the Cranford Township Committee. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating ideals of service and leadership, including organizing and leading an extensive service project. Fewer than 5 percent of Boy Scouts nationwide attain this commendable rank.
“It’s so rewarding to see these young men, who benefited from the Boy Scout program, give that leadership back to the community. These guys represent the, ‘Best of the best,’” reflected Joe Duffy, assistant Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout coach.
Andrew Ramirez is a freshman at Loyola University in Baltimore, MD. His Eagle Scout community service project involved refurbishing the landscaping at The Jumble Store, a Cranford thrift shop run by the Junior League of Elizabeth-Plainfield, an area non-profit organization that serves families in crisis. The project included fundraising, organizing supplies and materials, and directing volunteers. During his scouting career, Andrew attended National Youth Leadership Training, completed a backpacking trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and attended the Florida Sea Base sailing expedition, among other achievements. Andrew is the second son in his family to achieve this rank. His brother Patrick is also an Eagle.
William Pritchett is a student at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY. His Eagle Scout initiative addressed the issue of homelessness. He collaborated with the Street Light Mission in Elizabeth on a multi-pronged project. First he coordinated a coat drive that amassed more than 800 coats and then led a distribution event for families. He also planned and held a school assembly that was attended by more than 900 students to raise awareness among his peers about homelessness in Union County. Finally, he built storage units for the Street Light Mission, intended for use in future projects. During his scouting career, William served in various leadership positions within Troop 75, attended the first National Boy Scout Jamboree at the Summit-Bechtel facility in West Virginia, and went on a backpacking and canoeing trek at Sabattis Adventure Camp in the Adirondacks. He also attended National Youth Leadership Training. He joins his brother John as a third generation Eagle Scout.
Christian Wurzburger is a student at the University of Vermont in Burlington where he is studying Environmental Science. His project provided emergency preparedness instructions to Cranford residents and businesses. He also planned and coordinated two community educational sessions that included the preparation of first aid and emergency supply kits. Christian served in various troop roles, attended National Youth Leadership Training, completed two backpacking treks to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and attended the Sea Base sailing expedition in Florida. He is the 133rd Eagle Scout from Troop 75.
Cranford Boy Scout Troop 75 is one of the oldest Scout Troops in Union County. Founded in 1910, today it serves almost 60 active Scouts. Recent community activities include participation in the town-wide “Scouting for Food” drive to benefit Cranford Family Cares and participation with Cranford Troop 80 in the First Annual Eastman Plaza flag retirement ceremony by VFW Post #335. Plans for the winter season include hiking, camping, a ski trip and a visit to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Troop 75 is a member of Patriots’ Path Council and is associated with the Cranford United Methodist Church. For more information, please visit www.mytroop75.org
(above) Newly-minted Eagle Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 75 (l-r) William Pritchett, Andrew Ramirez and Christian Wurzburger.
