Deputy Mayor John Legge (left) presents Abby Castle (right) and Zuri Essahli with proclamations recognizing their Eagle Scout projects. Alex Atkinson (below) accepted his proclamation from Committeeman Jason Snyder.
Three Scouts from Mantua Troop 7083 – two of them female – were honored earlier this month for earning their Eagle ranks.
Recognition ceremonies – known as the Eagle Scout Court of Honors – took place at the township VFW and the Church of the Incarnation. The latter was historic: It marked the first time in the troop’s history that females achieved the Eagle Scout rank. Abby Castle and Zuri Essahli both did projects required to earn the rank that exemplifed the Scout oath to help others in need.
Castle built two raised garden beds at the church to provide fresh produce for its food pantry. Her goal was to provide healthier alternatives for community members and provide a steady supply of food. Essahli built a life-size chessboard at the J. Mason Tomlin Elementary School playground that kids can use freely during recess.
Deputy Mayor John Legge presented Castle and Essahli with township proclamations that recognized their work in the community.
“We honored these young women not only for achieving Scouting’s highest rank,” he said, “but for making history as the very first females to accomplish this feat for Troop 7083. This was a great day for Mantua Township and a great day for females around our community and beyond.”
Alex Atkinson also earned his recent Eagle rank by building a 100-square-foot patio and an 8-foot picnic table near Chestnut Branch Park’s butterfly garden to provide a resting area for residents.
Committeeman Jason Snyder presented Atkinson’s township proclamation.
“The Eagle Scout rank is earned through hard work, dedication and leadership,” Snyder noted. “I was honored to attend the ceremony and recognize this tremendous accomplishment.”
