June 27, 2006 > A new eagle soars

by Martha Marrero

Derek Marrero, 16, a junior at Newark Memorial High School, received Boy Scout's highest award at a Court of Honor on June 5. He is a member of Troop 186, sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Newark. He is the son of Martha and Jose Marrero.

His Eagle Leadership Service Project was overseeing the restoration of nearly 90 native trees and shrubs in a natural habitat at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, involving 28 volunteer workers and 127 total service hours, over a 6 month period.

In addition to his service project, Derek has served as Den Chief, Troop Guide, Senior Patrol Leader, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster from 2005 to the present. He attended Brownsea Junior Leadership Training in 2003 and was a staff member in 2004 for over 300 service hours. He has been on staff twice as Senior Patrol Leader for Eagle Camp.

Derek has also backpacked Philmont in New Mexico for 55 miles over 10 days in July 2004 and attended National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. in July 2005. He has earned 41 Merit Badges so far, and has been a member of the troop since February 2000.