Sparta man earns Eagle Scout ranking
Sparta — Dylan Panicucci was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at a special Eagle Scout Court of Honor held by Sparta Troop 150 in April.
The son of Jeffrey and Denise Panicucci, Dylan is a 2014 graduate of Sparta High School and is now in his first year of study at The United States Military Academy at West Point.
Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouting and it takes many years of hard work. Only about five percent of all Boy Scouts become Eagle Scouts, according to a news release from the troop.
To earn the rank of Eagle, a scout must show leadership, service, outdoor skills, citizenship, character and personal fitness by earning at least 21 merit badges and he must complete a special community service Eagle project.
Dylan's Eagle Project was to build a concrete block lacrosse rebound wall at Station Park.
The project took a total of 245 hours and benefits the residents of Sparta and local lacrosse players.
Dylan wanted to specifically thank Sparta Redi-Mix, RS Phillips Steel, Route 23 Patio and Masonry, Drs. Panicucci and Ouimette, Kuiken Brothers and Alish's Alpine Paint for their contributions of time and materials to the project.
Dylan lists lifesaving, personal fitness, first aid and swimming among his favorite Merit Badges. He also earned both the Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII religious awards. Dylan served Troop 150 as a den chief, quartermaster and instructor.
During his scouting years, Dylan was also very active outside of the Boy Scouts playing varsity lacrosse for three years at Sparta High school, where they were the 2013 RIZK Division Champions, and he was named as a 2014 NJAC Scholar Athlete. He played in the honors wind ensemble, was a member of DECA, Key Club and student Council at Sparta High School.
Sparta Troop 150 serves Sparta and the surrounding communities, they meet at 7 p.m. on Monday nights at the Sparta United Methodist Church. All interested boys between the ages of 11 and 18 are welcome.
For more information visit www.spartatroop150.org.