Posted on January 9, 2024
Newtown, Conn. – Scout Troop 870 members Alyssa Jones and Gabriella Arguello have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and were recognized on Saturday, December 30. State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107) delivered remarks at the ceremony honoring their achievements.
Jones joined Troop 870 in late 2018 and is one of its founding members. For her Eagle Project, she gave Middle Gate and Head O’ Meadow elementary schools reptile and amphibian species as class pets, along with enclosures, informational booklets, and book stands. She also led class presentations to teach students about these animals. She is now a freshman at Colorado State University working toward a degree in Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology with a minor in Ecological Restoration.
Arguello joined Troop 870 in early 2019. For her Eagle Project, Arguello collaborated with the Center for Empowerment and Education to create makeup kits for women entering and re-entering the workforce. This entailed collecting makeup via community donations, direct support from Beauty 21 Cosmetics, and purchasing additional products using money received from cash donations. Drawstring makeup bags were made by volunteers using fabric also donated by the community and local business Chintz-N-Prints.
Rep. Bolinsky said: “This is a very exciting occasion! Alyssa and Gabriella are not just Troop 870’s first two Eagle Scouts, they are Newtown’s first two young women to earn Scouting’s highest level of achievement,” said Bolinsky. “BSA first welcomed female scouts in 2018/2019, to provide the very special skills and leadership training for life to aspiring young women. What Alyssa and Gabbi accomplished is even more notable for their resiliency and focus on their Eagle journeys.” Bolinsky concluded, saying “Newtown is a very strong BSA Scouting community, already represented by Troops 70, 270, 370 and 770. Troop 870 is a welcomed addition”.
“I want to congratulate these two outstanding women for their work in the community. They each took on leadership roles within their Troop and I hope they carry that trait into adulthood,” said Foncello. “I had a great experience myself as a Scout and my son is an Eagle Scout, so I really appreciate how much work and dedication Alyssa and Gabbi put in to achieve this award.”