Troop 13 Eagle Scout Celebration

On June 6, Troop 13 Rehoboth, family, and friends gathered at Mt Carmel Parish Center in Seekonk to celebrate Matthew Bellavance for achieving Boy Scouts highest rank of Eagle Scout. Only 5 out of every 100 scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout. The wearer of the Eagle award is the epitome of Scouting’s best efforts and beliefs. Matthew’s hard work and dedication make him a deserving young man to join the ranks of Eagle Scouts that came before him.

Matthew joined Troop 13 in 2014. He joined his two older brothers Nick and Ben. After several years of being Nick and Ben’s little brother, Matthew’s brothers aged out of the program at 18 leaving Matthew to lead the Troop. Like his brothers, Matt served as Senior Patrol Leader, the Troops highest position. While a Scout Matthew earned 26 merit badges, 5 more than required, served the troop in leadership positions, fulfilled many requirements, and carried out a substantial service project for his community.

Matthew faced many challenges the past year in completing the Eagle service project. Matthew’s eagle project was actually his second approved Project. The first project was to create a handicap accessible outdoor game area at the Rehoboth Senior Center. However, just two days after submitting the proposal for approval, the Senior Center burned to the ground.

With little time, Matthew was to come up with another project. An additional challenge was to complete this project during the peak of COVID restrictions. Matthew’s second project was to add to the existing outdoor classroom and greenhouse at Dighton Elementary School. Mathew was a student at Dighton Elementary School and wanted to give back there. Matthew successfully led members from the National Honor Society and family members. Matthew acquired materials through donations from local businesses.

On December 29, 2020, Matthew was interviewed by a board of Scout Leaders from around Narragansett Council. Matthew demonstrated that his Scouting experience, achievements, Scouting ideals, and leadership in carrying out a large project are deserving of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Board agreed with Matthew that he was deserving and advanced him to the rank of Eagle.

Matthew is a graduate of Dighton- Rehoboth Reginal High School in 2021 and is attending UMass Dartmouth in the fall. Matthew aspires to be an orthodontist one day. Now that Matthew is an Eagle Scout, he will always be an Eagle Scout. Marked forever as someone that values perseverance, discipline, motivation, leadership, accountability, and achievement. All values that will lead Matthew to achieve great things.

Troop 13 has been chartered with the Rehoboth American Legion Post since 1962. Over that time the Troop has had more than 50 scouts earn the rank of Eagle. If you are interested in Scouting please contact Troop13Rehoboth@gmail.com.