by Chris Cain
2/3/2019

Three remarkable young Hollistonians received their Eagle Scout badges during a Court of Honor held in the Upper Town Hall on Saturday, February 2nd.  The portrait of James Hathaway, Will Flanagan, and Drew Dykema greeted family and friends as they arrived for the ceremony.

Drew Dykema, pictured below with proud parents Carolyn and Bill, has been a Scout for 12 years.  He shared that Scouting has made him grow to become a bigger person who is willing to take calculated risks and ownership of his decisions.  His Eagle Scout project was to build boardwalks in the Wenakeening Woods to allow hikers and bikers to use the trail even during the wet seasons.  In the fall, Drew will be attending UMASS Amherst to study Computer Science.

Will Flanagan, seen below on camera with HCAT's Paul Saulnier, started Scouting in 1st Grade.  During his years as a Scout he has devoted himself to community service.  For his Eagle Scout project he converted an old garage into a multi-function recreation room for a group home that houses autistic young adults.  Will is waiting to hear from several colleges so he can pursue a degree in International Relations - not really a surprising choice given his many years of community service!

James Hathaway, is a Freshman at UCONN (he reports that the Husky Basketball teams are having great seasons), where he is a Biology / Pre-med major.  James shared that Scouting has been an "awesome experience" that provided him with opportunities he would not have otherwise had.  He constructed wooden railings on the Upper Charles River Rail Trail as it crosses Chicken Brook to complete his Eagle Scout project.

A large crowd was on hand to witness this impressive ceremony and share the cake!

This excerpt from 'One Hundred Scouts', Author Unknown, summarizes these scouts achievement and their path forward, "Today we honor three Scouts who are one in a hundred.  We know the things they have done in the past; imagine what they will do in the future."