Three Wellesley Troop 185 Scouts achieve prestigious Eagle Scout rank

Three high school students from Wellesley Boy Scout Troop 185 were honored for attaining the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout at an Eagle Court of Honor ceremony held earlier this month. The ceremony recognized Cotter James Healey, Jeffregy Peng, and Thomas Zhou for their exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to the values of Scouting.

The rank of Eagle Scout is a rare achievement, earned annually by only about 4% of all eligible members of the Boy Scouts of America. To attain this rank, a Scout must accumulate at least 21 merit badges, including 13 from a list of Eagle-required badges such as First Aid, Family Life, Citizenship (in the Community, the Nation, and the World), and Camping, in addition to completing a significant community service project.

Each Scout received the prestigious Eagle Scout medal and badge, an embroidered rank patch, and an official certificate during a Court of Honor ceremony. Their certificates also highlighted the impact of their individual Eagle service projects:

Cotter James Healey combined his appreciation for history and Scouting by curating an exhibit at the Spellman Stamp Museum in Weston. His project, “Scouting Through Stamps,” involved organizing and displaying historic artifacts to highlight the legacy of Scouting.

Wellesley Boy Scouts, Cotter Healey and family.

Jeffregy Peng played a vital role in protecting the Charles River Watershed by leading a team of 25 volunteers who stenciled more than 200 “No Dumping” signs on catch basins along the Fuller Brook Trail. His efforts significantly raised local awareness for the importance of water conservation stewardship.

Wellesley Boy Scouts, Jeffrey Peng and Family — Jeffrey Peng and family

Thomas Zhou, an avid outdoor enthusiast, directed the Sudbury Trail Bog Bridge extension near Babson Skating Center. With a crew of 21 Scouts, he extended the bridge structures over muddy terrain and converted a half-bridge into a ramp, enhancing trail accessibility and safety for all users.

Wellesley Boy Scouts, Thomas Zhou and his family — Thomas Zhou and family

Scout leader Jon Flynn brought the scouts’ accomplishment into perspective. “It’s easy to be pessimistic about what we see the world, but when you see the next generation at their best, I can confidently say that I am not only confident in our future, but genuinely excited to watch what we will be able to accomplish,” Flynn said. “Thomas, Jeffrey, and Cotter have character and integrity, which will lead them to do the right thing, even if it’s hard. They also have the grit and resilience to make sure that the job gets done, especially if it’s hard. I’m thrilled to see them going off into the world as Eagle Scouts.”

Certificates of thanks and congratulations were signed by all five Wellesley Select Board members—Marjorie Freiman, Chair; Tom Ulfelder, Vice Chair; Colette Aufranc, Secretary; Elizabeth Sullivan Woods; and Kenneth C. Largess III, further recognizing the significance of the Scouts’ accomplishments.