4 North Kingstown residents awarded Boy Scouting’s highest rank
By Pamela Reinsel Cotter (Open Post) – November 27, 2016 3:16 pm ET
Nicolas Berg, Jacob Cotter, Jeffrey Dowling and Christopher Santos were recognized by the Troop, their family and friends, and local dignitaries including Congressman Jim Langevin, state Representative-elect Julie Casimiro and Town Council member Kevin Maloney.
Langevin noted the leadership skills the four young men learned in their years in Scouting, and entreated them to use what they’ve learned to make the world a better place. “We need you,” he told them. The Congressman also acknowledged Jacob Cotter’s maternal grandfather, Martin Reinsel, who became an Eagle Scout in 1947.
Scoutmaster Philip Gambrel lead the ceremony, which featured citations from all the living U.S. presidents and other leaders. Former Scoutmaster Doug Smith created a video presentation of the boys’ seven years in Scouts.
Nicolas Berg is a senior at Bishop Hendricken High School who is seeking acceptance at Harvard University. Jacob Cotter, a 2016 graduate of North Kingstown High School, is a freshman at Rhode Island College. Jeffrey Dowling is a 2016 graduate of North Kingstown High School. Christopher Santos is a 2016 graduate of North Kingstown High School and a cashier at Dave’s Marketplace Quonset.
Eagle Scout is the highest achievement rank in Boy Scouting. Since 1912 more than 2 million Boy Scouts have earned the Eagle Scout rank.
In the words of the Eagle Scout Promise, Eagles to their best each day to make their training an example, their rank and their influence count strongly for better citizenship in the their troop, in their community, and in their contacts with other people. To this they pledge their sacred honor.