By Nathan Mayberg
NEVERSINK — April 20, 2004 – Only two percent of all Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle – that’s a fact.
And here’s another fact:
Troop 97 of Neversink inducted two of them on Saturday afternoon at the Neversink Firehouse.
In front of more than 100 people, brothers Christopher and Casey Grey were honored as brand new Eagle Scouts, with Sullivan County Manager Dan Briggs serving as master of ceremonies, during a ceremony rich with appearances by local politicians and letters from state leaders.
Tom Mitchell, who helps take care of the local baseball field, thanked Chris for his work to repair the field. Chris completed the service project component of the top badge by working with about ten other scouts to remove glass, tires and other debris from the field, said Mitchell.
He called it “a job well done.”
Tom Matthews commended Casey for working to make the picnic area around the firehouse accessible to handicapped people.
Dale Carlson, a former assistant scoutmaster with the troop, told the large audience that both scouts possessed “integrity and honor.”
Robert Owens of the American Legion said his group has always been a staunch supporter of the Boy Scouts through scholarships and other activities. Thus he honored the young men with some of the many plaques and pins they would receive through the night. The Elk’s Lodge also honored the Grey boys.
Town of Neversink Supervisor Georgianna Lepke, Sullivan County Legislator Greg Goldstein, and Joann Drake from State Senator John Bonacic’s office all commended the teens for their accomplishments.
Briggs presented a plaque from the Sullivan County Legislature to Chris and Casey. He also read a letter from Governor George Pataki, honoring their work.
The honorees were not at a loss for words either. Chris spoke about the long, hard work he pursued in order to accomplish his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout. He thanked all of the other Boy Scouts, troop leaders, community leaders, and his parents for helping him get where he was.
Chris plans on attending the Air Force after he graduates from high school in two years.
Casey said he wanted to be “a good role model.” He plans on attending college after graduating high school next year and would like to become a high school math teacher.
Christopher and Casey are the sons of Scott and Diana Grey of Neversink. Scott is the scoutmaster of Troop 97.