On September 15 and 16, New Alexandria Boy Scout Troop 345 began its 2001-2002 Scouting season with a Court of Honor held at Twin Lakes Park.  Scouts were awarded rank advancements and merit badges, troop Junior Leaders were installed, and yearly planning was completed.

            Scoutmaster Tom Irwin was proud of the many achievements his twenty-seven Scouts had made during the past six months.  Brian Moyer and Matthew Morelli earned their Eagle Scout Silver Palms for completing fifteen merit badges since becoming an Eagle Scout.  Christopher Ahacic, Joshua Busch, and Zack Phillips attained the rank of Life Scout, one level below Eagle Scout.  Allen Martello became a First Class Scout and Joseph Anderson, Derek Clawson, Brad Marron, Kirk Selembo and Koty Thomas advanced to Tenderfoot Rank.  Eighty merit badges were presented, most of them completed at Camp Conestoga, the week-long, summer, residential camp in Somerset County.  Senior Patrol Leader Brian Moyer passed his leadership baton to Joshua Busch.

            From October 5-7,  Joshua Busch, Zack Phillips and Ande Thomas endured an Order of the Arrow ordeal and were inducted into Scouting's National Honor Society.  The Troop participated in the Laurel Hills District Fall Camporee from October 12-15. 

            During  Monday night meetings, Scouts will work on merit badges for Citizenship in the Nation, Art, and Aviation.  A trip to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is being planned for November 23-25. 

            The yearly popcorn sale fund-raiser is currently underway and a trash clean-up of the Troop's two mile stretch of highway on Route 981 is in the planning.  Those interested in joining the Troop, should call Scoutmaster Tom Irwin (724-537-6363) or Joshua Busch (724 668-7129). 

Written by Joshua Busch, Sr. Patrol Leader    10.01