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Community Corner

Honoring Four of Westwood's Model Citizens as Eagle Scouts

On Sunday afternoon, Ben Pincus, Lochlainn Macdonald, Stephen Mooncai, and Ryan Dukeman were honored for their achievements by reaching the rank of Eagle Scout.

Members, friends, and family of Scout Troop 3 Westwood honored four of their own on Sunday afternoon, when they ascended to the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest attainable rank in the Boy Scouts of America.

Eagle Scouts are model citizens known for their knowledge in first aid, and their citizenship of their community, nation, and world. They have also achieved excellence in personal fitness, environmental science, swimming, hiking, cycling, and hold strong family values.

Four of Westwood’s newest Eagle Scouts include Benjamin Pincus, Lochlainn Macdonald, Stephen Mooncai, and Ryan Dukeman. Each completed an Eagle Scout Project to rise to the acclaimed rank.

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Benjamin Pincus began his journey with Boy Scouts in second grade and has earned merit badges in swimming, lifesaving, first aid, environmental science, camping, and rifle shooting.

Pincus has also served as a Patrol Leader and is the Troop 3 Historian, and led the first ever one Patrol camping trip on Storrow Pond at Hale Reservation. For his Eagle Scout Project, Pincus led scouts through mapping, clearing, blazing and GPS-coordinating a new 3.75 mile hiking trail connecting the center of Westwood to Islington.

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“Scouting gave me new abilities,” said Pincus. “I saw who I could be.”

Pincus also commented on how scouting gave him more confidence, and how he will reflect on his unique experience for years to come.

Lochlainn Macdonald has been a scout since age 12. For over two years, he served as Troop 3’s Patrol Leader, and was involved with hikes through the White Mountains in New Hampshire, Cape Cod bike rides, and attended the annual Merit Badge University at harvard.

Lochlainn’s Eagle Project was to repaint Westwood’s veteran’s memorial flag poles and landscaping the surrounding area. He also researched and reported on each of the memorialized veterans, complete with a map of their locations. Lochlainn is also a member of the National Honor Society, and was named a National Merit Scholar this year.

“Scouting has underscored my great appreciation of my country,” Macdonald said. “Scouting isn’t just about building character. It’s about fun. Troop 3 is special.”

Stephen Mooncai joined Pack 1 as a Webelo at age 9, and joined Troop 3 Westwood in 6th grade. Over his years as a scout, Mooncai has been Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, and Leave No Trace Coordinator. He also took part in the Memorial Day Parade, the Mount Washington Hike, and the Saco River canoe trip.

Mooncai’s Eagle Scout Project involved stenciling “Drains to Stream Keep it Clean” onto 739 storm drains around town, which covered 30 miles of Westwood’s streets. He also emphasized the importance of keeping trash and chemicals out of the storm drains by making a pamphlet and a poster for the town libraries, and educated others at a scout meeting presentation.

“My most memorable moment was my Eagle Scout Project, because it allowed me to show my leadership skills,” said Mooncai. 

Ryan Dukeman joined the Scouts in first grade as a Tiger Cub, and joined Troop 3 after obtaining the Arrow of Light. He participated in the Klondike Derby, the annual ski trip, and the Polar Bear swim among many other events.

During his time as a Scout, Ryan has served as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Troop guide. For his Eagle Scout Project, Dukeman gathered stories, service histories, and mementos of the veterans memorialized at the Westwood Veterans Park, which was included in the town’s time capsule.

“Take advantage of every opportunity offered to you in Scouts,” said Dukeman to the new scouts in the audience. “You will make many lasting friendships.”

Sunday's ceremony, which was held at the , was led by Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster Dr. Francis Campion, and also included a presentation of letters and commendations from Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Scott Brown, and Governor Deval Patrick.

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