Byram troop honors 50th Eagle Scout

Byram — Brendan Raffay is Byram Township Troop 276’s newest Eagle Scout, making him the troop's 50th to receive this honor since 1978. Brendan comes from a family of Eagle Scouts. He is the fifth Eagle including both his father, Russ Raffay, and uncle, Charles Raffay, who were also both in Troop 276. Brendan and his family celebrated his accomplishment at an Eagle Court of Honor recently at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Netcong with his family, fellow scouters and friends.
In 2005 Brendan started his journey becoming a Tiger Cub in Pack 276. After building many wonderful memories and friendships and completing all of the requirements including his Eagle project, Brendan was awarded Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Boy Scouts of America. His Eagle project was a GaGa Pit constructed at the Byram Intermediate School. GaGa Ball is sometimes described as a “kinder and gentler form of dodgeball” and continues to grow in popularity.
In addition to his Eagle Project Brendan completed thirty Merit Badges throughout his years of Scouting. A highlight of Brendan’s scouting career was attending Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico and completing a seventy-three mile High Adventure Trek.
In addition to his scouting achievements Brendan has also been very active in other community activities. At his parish, St. Michaels in Netcong, he has served as an alter server and peer minister. At Lenape Valley High School he has participated in various musical groups and led the Marching Band as Drum Major. He has also been on several varsity athletic teams.
Working his way to Eagle Brendan served in many leadership positions including Chaplain’s Aide, Quartermaster, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Troop Representative for the Order of the Arrow. He graduated last June from Lenape Valley and is now a student at the State University of New York Maritime College.