Eagle Scouts Recognized by Jefferson Council

The Jefferson Township council honored two residents – both members of Boy Scout troop 49 – who recently achieved Eagle Scout honors.

To qualify for Eagle Scout, Dylan Vance built a 10-by-16-foot pavilion, with a floor and eight benches, that is located in a memorial garden – also an Eagle Scout project – at Jefferson Township High School. Vance explained that the four-week-long, 650-hour project, which was completed last spring, is now being used as an outdoor classroom.

Mayor Russ Felter also explained that the pavilion is dedicated to Dakota McNabb, a high school student who died of complications from a brain tumor in 2009.

“Dakota’s family are friends of mine,” Felter said. “It’s quite an honor you were able to do that, and it’s much appreciated.”

Thomas Dugan, for his project, built two kiosks and an eight-foot bench at Lee’s Park Marina. Dugan said the project, which spanned for nearly two weeks at the end of January, amassed about 145 hours of work from him and fellow troop members who helped him dig holes and put the structures together.

Felter, who also serves as chairman of the Lake Hopatcong Commission, said Dugan “might be the 39th or 40th Eagle Scout” to add to the area's parks.

“We really appreciate your hard work,” Felter said. “I know the park commission appreciates it.”

Vance’s court of honor to officially receive the award will be Tuesday, April 9, and Dugan’s will be May 5.