The Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Atul Soni, son of Ameeta and Vivek Soni, was held on February 28, 2002 at the Center Congregational Church in Lynnfield, MA. Through hard work and dedication, Atul completed the requirements for the Eagle rank, the highest honor for a Boy Scout, before the age of fourteen and was declared an Eagle Scout on October 24, 2002.

The Court of Honor was held by the Boy Scout Troop 48, Lynnfield and was attended by the Troop scouts and their families. The presentation of the Eagle award was made by Mr. Harry LeCours, Chairman, Board of Selectmen, Lynnfield. In addition, the ceremony included the Scouts of Troop 48, John Walsh, Scout Master of Troop 48, Dr. David Richman, Chairman of the Troop Committee, Richard Altieri and Craig Stone.

Atul’s Eagle Project involved landscaping the front yard of the Bridge House Family Shelter in Lynn. People living at the shelter are going through a tough time period in their lives. Atul felt that his project would benefit these families by making the front yard more pleasing, thus making them feel better about living there. He planned and organized the project. On April 21, 2002, Atul led scouts and friends of Troop 48 in carrying out the landscaping. The landscaping work accomplished included removal of trash, weeds and a large bush; digging flowerbeds, planting flowers, mulching; and putting in grass seed and fertilizer. The Bridge Shelter Staff was very appreciative of the work done.

The journey in scouting for Atul started with the Webelos and it was the interest of his Cub Scout friends and the Cub Scout Masters that kept him interested in scouting and made him join the Boy Scouts. As a Scout, he actively participated in Troop activities going on numerous hikes, Klondike Derbies and camping, canoeing and biking trips.

In his Eagle Minute, Atul thanked all those who had helped him become an Eagle Scout and also tried to impress on the younger scouts to continue to participate and progress in scouting. According to Atul, scouting activities teach team work, leadership and other values to live by and also provide excellent opportunities for outdoor activities, leadership, independence and responsibility.

Atul continues as a Scout in Troop 48 to participate in troop activities and guide younger scouts.

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