Scouting America in Maplewood Shout Outs

Four scouts from Maplewood's Troop 5 have achieved the prestigious Eagle Scout Award, the highest rank in Scouting America. This honor reflects their exceptional character, leadership, and commitment to community service.

 

The Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony took place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church. Family, friends, and community leaders gathered to celebrate this significant milestone.

 

To attain the Eagle rank, scouts must progress through six ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life. They are required to earn a minimum of 21 merit badges in areas such as outdoor skills, citizenship, and life skills. Additionally, each scout must plan and execute a community service project, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to bettering their community.

 

The four scouts honored are:

 

Rome Stefan Brachfeld of Maplewood, a 2024 graduate of Oratory Preparatory School and a second-year Business Economics student at UCLA. In 2024, he collaborated with the South Orange Department of Public Works to clean and restore memorials across South Orange, including the obelisk in Founders Park and the Veterans Memorial Rock in Meadowland Park.

 

Quinn Miller of West Orange, a senior at Newark Academy. During the summer of 2025, he partnered with St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison to install three large sunshade canopies over their outdoor play yards, benefiting both animals and volunteers.

 

August Jacob Macqueen Pross of South Orange, known as Jacob, a 2024 graduate of Columbia High School and a rising junior studying Business at the University of Toronto. In 2023, he worked with the South Orange Public Library to construct and install four book swap boxes in the South Orange-Maplewood community.

 

Lucas Rui Quinteros of South Orange, a senior at Newark Academy. In the summer of 2025, he renovated and repurposed an underused space in the Newark Academy courtyard in Livingston, NJ.

 

The ceremony featured remarks from Mr. Chris Birardi of the Lenni Lenape District of Northern New Jersey Council, Mr. Noah Miller from the Maplewood Rotary Club, and Maplewood Mayor Victor De Luca. Deputy Mayor Malia Herman presented each Eagle Scout with a proclamation from the Maplewood Township Committee, stating, "Coming to an event like this is such an honor, meeting the next generation of leaders in our community."

 

Each new Eagle Scout received letters of commendation from state and local officials, including New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, Congresswoman Analilia Mejia, and South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum. Governor Sherrill noted, "You are among a select few who have achieved this award, exhibiting the characteristics of initiative, courage, resourcefulness, and leadership."

 

Reflecting on their Scouting journey, the new Eagle Scouts shared insights:

 

Miller remarked, "Looking back at my time in Troop 5 has shown me how much my friends and I have grown. It's surreal to remember being 11 years old and watching the older Scouts earn their Eagle while I was stuck on the Tenderfoot fitness requirement, and now, to finally be here, having run that same mile over and over to encourage the next generation of Scouts."

 

Quinteros added, "I got my first taste of leading, and I learned how helpful it was to encourage and be encouraged by my peers. There are many connections, moments, and triumphs that will stay with me. I'm glad I've been part of it."

 

Brachfeld shared, "Scouting is not just about badges, camping, or checking off requirements. It's about seeing a problem, stepping up, and helping people even when you're tired and would rather be climbing a mountain. That is probably the biggest thing Scouting has taught me. Leadership is not always dramatic. Sometimes it is just doing the next right thing."

 

Pross concluded, "Looking back, I believe that all of these Scouting experiences have definitely made me a better person. When I'm helping others, I remember how older scouts helped me when I was starting out in Troop 5, and how much that meant to me. I can confidently say that the core principles of scouting still very much apply to my daily life."

 

Troop 5 Maplewood, established in 1920 and sponsored by the Maplewood Rotary Club, has a long-standing tradition of fostering leadership and community service among youth aged 11–17. The troop's activities include monthly outings, annual summer camps, and high-adventure trips, all designed to develop character and resilience in its members.

 

Meetings are held on Thursdays from 7–9 p.m. during the school year at Seth Boyden Elementary School. For more information, interested individuals can contact the troop via email or visit their website.