On July 18, Troop 303 of Orinda held an Eagle Court of Honor at Orinda Community Church to honor Frederick Alexander Meckes, 18, and Owen William Min Soo Pines, 18, both of Orinda, each of whom attained Scouts BSA’s highest rank, Eagle Scout.
The rank of Eagle Scout requires the completion of 21 merit badges, as well as a community project on behalf of a public or non-profit entity.
Chair of the Briones District of Scouts BSA’s Golden Gate Area Council, Bruce McGurk, presided over the ceremony.
Mayor of Orinda Amy Worth presented the boys with an official proclamation of the Orinda City Council, declaring officially July 19, 2021, as “Owen Pines Day” and July 20, 2021, as “Alex Meckes Day” in Orinda.
Representatives of U.S. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan also attended and read letters of congratulations to Alex and Owen. California State Senator Steve Glazer also sent a letter of congratulations.
Alex was recognized for his Eagle Project, the completion of an ADA Compliant pathway in the Wagner Ranch Nature Area, and Owen was recognized for his Eagle Project, the replacement of the flower planters in front of the administrative and counseling offices at Miramonte High School with new ones.
The beneficiaries, Toris Jaeger of Wagner Ranch Nature Area and Sara Harris, former Assistant Principal at Miramonte High School, offered their thanks to the boys as well.
Both Alex and Owen graduated Miramonte High School in June.
Contributing Writer Andrew Pines can be reached at editor@theorindanews.com
