Andover Boy Scout earns Eagle rank
ANDOVER — Bradford Michael Van Orden of Andover successfully completed the requirements for the highest rank in Boy Scouts, completing his Eagle Scout rank on Nov. 3, 2014, after a 12-year commitment to scouting.
He participates in Troop 153 of Wantage under the direction of Scoutmaster Steve Dely and Committee member Cindy Van Carples. He completed his Eagle Scout project at the Sterling Hills Mine in Franklin. A celebration to honor Bradford for his achievement will be held at the Church of the Good Shepard in Wantage on Jan. 17, 2015, at 1 p.m.
Bradford started scouting in first grade as a Tiger Scout with Pack 97 under Den Leaders Barbara Hanson and Lisa Lombardi, earning Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos ranks.
At that time he earned the highest award in Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light. He then crossed over to Boy Scout Troop 153 and served the community in many ways.
Troop 153 is very active and meets weekly on Wednesday evenings at the Church of the Good Shepard. The troop does a lot of camping all year round and hikes frequently in preparation for longer hikes in the wilderness. Bradford has experienced two 14-day backpacking expeditions at Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico with several members of Troop 153. He has also served as a den chief, troop librarian, troop historian and senior patrol leader.
His Eagle project included 129 community service hours renovating floors in three rooms at the Sterling Hills Mine Museum and cleaning the tour route inside the mine. Bradford completed 29 merit badges along with earning all six ranks in Boy Scouts leading up to Eagle.
Bradford is the son of Kellie Ortiz (Andover) and Michael Van Orden (Wantage) and has an older sister, Brittany and younger brother, Brandon. Bradford is a senior at Sussex County Technical School and a member of SkillsUSA, Spanish National Honor Society, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and is Valedictorian for the class of 2015. Bradford has future plans as a Nuclear Power Specialist in the U.S. Navy or to possibly attend the Naval Academy.