April 4, 2006 > New Eagle Scout takes oath

by Elisabeth Childers

Matthew Hirai, a junior at Washington High School, received scouting's highest award at a Court of Honor on Sunday, April 2, 2006. Matthew is a member of Troop 20, sponsored by Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church of Union City and is the son of Takeo and Lisa Hirai. For his Eagle Project, Matthew built a theatre stage for the Niles-Essanay Silent Film Museum.

This project took several months of planning and required great precision in execution to fit into the space and accommodate the piano used to accompany the silent films shown in this old nickelodeon theater. "Now we have a great stage that replaces a rickety old one. We have storage under the stage, and have used it to perform radio plays, and are planning a major concert," said Bruce Cates, a board member of the Niles-Essanay Silent Film Museum and sponsor of the project. "We are always looking for volunteers to help with the renovation, and since I was a scout myself, working with Matt on his Eagle Project was a fun thing to do. He really took the lead and was very pragmatic, organized and punctual."

In addition to his Eagle project, Matthew has most recently served as Senior Patrol Leader and is currently Junior Assistant Scoutmaster for his troop. He has earned a total of 27 merit badges, and has been a member of the troop for five years. Beyond scouting, Matthew is vice-chairman of the Fremont Youth Advisory Commission, an active member of the Prince of Peace Church youth group, and on the Washington High School debate team.

Matt's Eagle Court of Honor was held at 4:00 pm on April 2, 2006 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church located at 38451 Fremont Boulevard in Fremont. About Scouting: The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America-incorporated on February 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916-is to provide an educational program for boys and young adults (young men and women) to build character, train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develop personal fitness. The Mission Peak District serves scouting families in Fremont, Newark, and Union City. To find out about scouting, visit our website at www.sfbac.org/mp.