Andrew Joyes, Scouting’s Newest Eagle
By Doug La Rocque
Stephentown’s Andrew Joyes was elevated to the rank of Eagle Scout in a ceremony Monday night, July 29, with friends, family and other members of Boy Scout Troop 222 looking on. Andrew becomes the ninth member of his troop to achieve scouting’s highest honor.
There is a requisite number of merit badges that must first be earned to qualify to become an Eagle, as well as planning and completing a community project. For Andrew, it was upgrading the Veterans Memorial Park in his hometown, including removing, cleaning and replacing the stones that carry the names of the Town’s veterans, and other park improvements, such as repainting the picnic tables. The final step is to go before a board of review, which makes the final decision on the promotion. Andrew completed all of these steps with distinction.
The ceremony was held behind the Troop’s headquarters in the Roxborough Holdings Building (the former Grafton Elementary School), and was followed by a congratulatory barbeque.