Eagle Scout Honor Attained

SEAVILLE – Of the millions of young men in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), only a little over two percent achieve the status of Eagle Scout. Ryan Casey joined that elite group June 8. The varied and difficult prerequisites for gaining the rank of Eagle Scout impose requirements that only the most dedicated meet. As State Senator Jeff Van Drew noted, it “requires a very special individual,” one who really “wants to make a difference.”
Casey, a Seaville resident joined scouting in Kindergarten. He migrated from the Cub Scouts to the Boy Scouts while in the 5th grade. Becoming an Eagle Scout takes about seven years with over 1,000 steps that need to be completed. Casey, a member of Troop 79, overcame the biggest hurdle last fall with his Eagle Project. In order to advance to Eagle rank, a scout must first complete a project for the betterment of the community. Casey planned and led an effort to renovate the old monument to honor the Gold Star Mothers near the entrance of the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery.
The Court of Honor was held at the Seaville United Methodist Church hall. Casey’s parents, Ryan and Tina Casey, watched proudly as their son received numerous plaques and proclamations. With Assistant Scoutmaster Jim Wright serving as emcee, the ceremony included awards from Van Drew, County Clerk Rita Fulginiti, Sheriff Gary Schaffer, Assemblyman Sam Fiocchi and representatives of many of the county veterans groups that had supported Casey with his Eagle Project at the cemetery. Tina beamed as she pinned the medal on her son.
The requirements to gain eagle status are arduous, but those that achieve it have demonstrated leadership and a dedication to service, duty, country and family. Over the years, nine Eagle Scouts have won the Medal of Honor. President Gerald Ford was an Eagle Scout as is Justice Stephen Breyer of the Supreme Court. The list of Eagle Scouts that have gone on to prominence is very impressive. Eagle Scouts are expected to continue the tradition of leadership and service throughout their lives and many have done just that.
Casey plans to move on from Ocean City High School to the Cape May County campus of Atlantic Cape Community College. “I do the first two years there,” he said, “and transfer someplace else for the last two years.” He gave no indication of his preferred field of study.
Troop 79, part of the newly created BSA Garden State Council, recently had three other members inducted as Eagle Scouts during ceremonies in this same hall in February.
Casey used his remarks to thank his parents, fellow members of his troop, scoutmasters and assembled friends for their help.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.