The six Eagle Scout service projects addressed needs ranging from personal safety and professional development to historic preservation and the restoration of important community spaces.
For SAFE: Self-Defense Awareness for Future Empowerment, Ellie drew upon her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training and Scouting leadership experience to develop a six-week program for high school girls. Participants learned de-escalation, situational awareness and practical self-defense techniques designed to build confidence and prepare them for potentially unsafe situations as they approach college and greater independence. Ellie also raised funds for Peace Over Violence, a nonprofit dedicated to women’s safety and empowerment. Reflecting on her Scouting experience, Ellie advised younger members, “Enjoy every troop meeting, hike and campout with your friends, as you’ll suddenly find yourself 18 years old and about to leave for college.”
Lea’s Leadership Panels also focused on preparing young people for the future. Lea organized discussions featuring women leaders from fields such as finance and human resources, giving participants an opportunity to hear firsthand about their career paths, challenges and accomplishments. “It means so much to me to be an Eagle Scout,” Lea said. “Both my dad and my uncle are Eagle Scouts, and I look up to them as they are great role models.” She added, “Earning the rank of Eagle Scout also serves as a testimony to the skills and leadership I have developed so far and commits me to carrying those forward in how I lead and serve others in the future.”
Sara’s project centered on honoring the community’s veterans. Through the Beautification of American Legion Memorial Post 140, she led the restoration of the veterans memorial at Guy R. Bosworth Post 140. Her team repainted a World War I cannon, benches and a grenade launcher, installed a gravel perimeter and cleaned memorial bricks so the names of local war heroes could once again be clearly seen. Sara encouraged others to “grow and become the best version of yourself, and never give up. Don’t let anyone stand in your way. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to!”
Ceci likewise helped preserve an important part of Millburn’s history by restoring and repainting the fence surrounding the Parsil Family Cemetery on White Oak Ridge Road. Her project supported the Millburn-Short Hills Historical Society’s preservation efforts and helped prepare the site—where members of the Parsil family who served in the Revolutionary War are buried—for activities commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Looking back on her time in the troop, Ceci said, “I would have never imagined that I needed to join Scouting to have an unbelievable family of girlfriends.”
At the Dominican Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary in Summit, Penny restored a prayer garden used by the Dominican nuns and members of the surrounding community. She raised funds, removed deteriorated plants and mulch, prepared the garden and installed new plantings to create a renewed and welcoming space for prayer and reflection. “The biggest goal in life is to make a real, true impact on people via our actions and character, which have been shaped by the presence of Scouting in our lives,” Penny said.
Mischa’s Empower Her Voice project promoted confidence, self-care, storytelling and community support in partnership with Empowering Women of the World. She created self-care packages, organized in-person and virtual panel discussions and shared stories of resilience intended to help women feel seen, supported and inspired. Summarizing the responsibility that accompanies the rank, Mischa said, “Scouting gives you the opportunity to become an Eagle Scout, and it’s up to you to be an Eagle Scout!”
Advancement Chair Fiona Phillips said the ceremonies were especially meaningful because she had “a front-row seat” to the Scouts’ journeys. “I’ve watched them work through challenges, grow in confidence, learn how to lead and create projects that made a real difference for the organizations they served,” Phillips said. “What I love is that the impact doesn’t end when the Eagle project is finished. Their work will continue to be felt, and I’m incredibly proud of both what they accomplished and the young women they’ve become.”
“These six young women represent Troop 19’s 16th through 21st Eagle Scouts since our founding in 2019,” Scoutmaster James McKenna said. “Their accomplishments reflect a thriving program built upon youth leadership. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our 2025–2026 Senior Patrol Leaders, Jina Lee and Suhaani Tiwari. Through their example, dedication and commitment to youth-led Scouting, they fostered an environment in which every Scout could develop as a leader, pursue their goals and succeed.”
Troop 19 also recognized founding member Caroline DeSoe as its honorary “15⅞ Eagle Scout.” Caroline was one of the troop’s first Arrow of Light Scouts and advanced to Life rank before moving from Short Hills to Colorado, where she earned Eagle Scout with Troop 345 at Hope United Methodist Church.
