BSA Troop 45 celebrates new Eagle Scouts

On April 20, BSA Troop 45 in Warwick welcomed their two newest Eagle Scouts: Collin Jay Freet, son of Christin C. and Jonathan D. Freet, and Timothy A. Raines III, son of Angie and Timothy A. Raines II. The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest achievement attainable in the Scouts BSA Program. Since its inception in 1911, only 4% of scouts have earned this rank, which involves years of preparation and advancement, culminating in the planning and execution of their Eagle Scout project.

Freet gave a rundown of his project: “I chose to refurbish the Warwick High School varsity cross-country course at Sanfordville Elementary School. The mile marker posts located every quarter mile on the five-kilometer loop were in disrepair. Some were unrecognizable, hidden among the brush and weeds surrounding the course. Replacing these mile marker posts for my project not only benefited the Warwick Valley Central School District, but it was also something personally relevant to my interests and daily life. I am a lifetime runner and member of the Warwick Valley High School varsity cross country and track teams. A clear and well-marked path is critical to the safety of all who use it. Brush and weeds obstructing the 5K running path were cleared. Each of 12 posts were then painted, stenciled, capped, and installed. In addition to marking the varsity course, I directed the installation and replacement of posts marking the 1.5-mile modified course for the Warwick Valley Middle School cross country team.”

Outside of the Boy Scouts, Freet is currently a junior and an Honor Roll student (Summa Cum Laude) at Warwick Valley High School. Other honors, awards, and activities in which Freet participates include wind ensemble (euphonium), Portrait of a Graduate awardee, Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership representative, US Army Academic All American Scholar Athlete, Boys State Candidate 2024, Math Team, Debate Club (officer), Wildcat Ambassador, Math Honor Society, varsity cross country, varsity indoor track, varsity outdoor track and field, National Junior Honor Society, Alex N. Smith III Science Award, and American Legion Citizenship Award.

Freet is planning to pursue a degree in astrophysics or aerospace engineering.

Raines explained his project: “I partnered with the Warwick Historical Society to create an information kiosk in front of their headquarters, the Buckbee Center. The Warwick Historical Society is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving, sharing, and celebrating the history of the town of Warwick. I chose this project because history is important to me, and I thought this display would generate more interest by making it easier for the citizens of Warwick to obtain information about the society and community events. The kiosk has a metal gable roof covered in wainscotting underneath, a large clear-case lockable bulletin board and solid concrete posts on each side. All building materials are painted black and white to match the roof over the Buckbee Center entrance. It was important to me for this kiosk to be sturdy, functional and aesthetically pleasing.”

He added, “The most challenging part of this project was completing it before I had to leave for college. I did not leave myself with much time and if it were not for my project coach, BSA leaders and members, my parents, friends, and donors it would not have been possible. This project taught me leadership, communication, time management, planning and preparation skills that I would not have learned anywhere else.”

Outside of the Boy Scouts, Raines was valedictorian of his 2023 graduating class at S.S. Seward Institute in Florida, NY. Other honors, awards, and activities include advanced regents’ diploma with mastery in math and science, National Honor Society, varsity soccer, varsity basketball, student government/class VP, Ski Club, Golf Club, and Zeta Beta Tau.

Raines is currently attending college at the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science at Binghamton University and made the Dean’s List for Fall 2023.

For more information about scouting, email BoyScouts@troop45warwick.org.