Jack Spengler

Scout Troop 267, sponsored by American Legion Post 59 in Fredonia recently celebrated Jack Spengler of Forestville. He passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review on Sept. 21, 2023, and was awarded the Boy Scout’s highest rank advancement at his Court of Honor Ceremony on Saturday, March 9. The celebration was hosted by his proud parents, Gary and Andrea Spengler, at the site of his Eagle Scout project, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Silver Creek. Spengler is one of only approximately 6% of all Boy Scouts who attain the Eagle rank, according to Scoutmaster Todd Proffitt.

Among the many requirements, each candidate must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges and successfully plan and complete a service project to benefit the community to earn his Eagle. He not only successfully completed his project, he was awarded the region-wide Allegheny Highlands Council Eagle Scout Project of the Year Award for 2023.

After Spengler’s church was broken into and vandalized, he was inspired to add a camera system to help prevent future incidents. His project also included additional lighting to make the area more visible at night, and to accentuate the beauty of the building. The ceremony was led by Troop 267’s Committee Chair Marianne Bowers and Troop 267’s Chaplain Walt Sedlmayer led the invocation.

Joined by fellow Scouts, Senior Patrol Leader Charlie Cinque, and Assistant Scoutmaster Jim Stenger, Jack’s Trail to Eagle over the past five years was featured through a formal ceremony, in addition to several displays of accomplishment, artifacts, and details of his Cub Scout through Boy Scout career, which began in 2014.

He was presented with his Eagle Charge by Joseph Bowers, Religious Emblem Coordinator. Proffitt also presented Jack with 6 Eagle palms, 2 bronze, 2 gold, and 2 silver to signify the 51 merit badges that Jack has earned. Eagle palms are awards presented to Eagle Scouts who have completed 5, 10, 15 or more merit badges beyond the 21 required to become an Eagle Scout. Project Beneficiaries, the Rev. Daniel Fiebelkorn and Rev. Mark Wolski expressed their appreciation for Jack’s service, and his long-standing commitment to his faith community.

Honored guests in attendance who recognized Jack through speeches included Christine Rinaldi for New York State Congressman Nick Langworthy, Town of Hanover Supervisor and grandfather to Jack, Louis Pelletter, Village of Silver Creek Mayor Jeff Hornburg, and Chautauqua County American Legion Scouting Chair Jay McManus.

In addition, Jack received certificates and letters of recognition from New York State Senator George Borrello, New York State Assemblyman Andy Goodell, and Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel.

Hornburg also commemorated the occasion through a Proclamation of “Jack Spengler Day” in the Village of Silver Creek. Eagle Scout Spengler recognized his father with the Mentor pin and also presented him with an Eagle pin as well as presenting his mother with an Eagle pin and flowers.

Eagle Scout Spengler also gave remarks where he expressed his gratitude to everyone in attendance, including his family, scout leaders, church, and community for their support throughout his scouting career. Spengler has been an active member of his Troop participating in weekly meetings and monthly camping events at various locations. He has served in numerous leadership roles within the Troop including Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, and Den Chief, a leadership position where a scout assists a Cub Scout den. Jack began his role as a Den Chief in 2019 and is still serving in that role. Spengler is a member of the Order of the Arrow as well as a National Youth Leadership Training graduate. He was also selected to attend the National Youth Leadership Academy in West Virginia. Spengler has attended summer camps at Camp Merz in Mayville, Camp Pioneer in the Adirondacks, and most recently attended the 2023 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve this past summer.

He completed the Ad Altare Dei religious emblem program, which includes activities and requirements that help a Catholic Scout to grow in their faith, and was awarded the emblem in 2023. Spengler is an honor student at Forestville Central School and is a member of various sports teams and school clubs. Troop 267 meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at American Legion Post 59, 156 E. Main St. in Fredonia, and is open to all boys and girls who have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10, or who are 11, but not yet 18 years old.

For more information about the Troop and how to join, visit the Troop’s website at: https://www.fredoniatroop267.com The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating in citizenship, and develops personal fitness.

For over a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through over a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.