Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • May 26, 2010 Area David Warren Sroczynski of Ramsey Boy Scout Troop 31 has become an Eagle Scout, the highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve. Sroczynski’s Eagle Project took place at the Union Cemetery on Darlington Avenue in Ramsey. The cemetery is owned by the First Presbyterian Church and dates back to the early 19th century. His project focused on refurbishing the exterior of a multi-use building on the site and the concrete signpost at the entrance to the cemetery. Multiple steps were required, including mold removal, paint scrapping, and hole patching. After this preparation, several coats of paint were applied. Trash receptacle holders were also refinished at the site. Over 30 Scouts, friends, and family members donated over 100 hours during several weekends to complete the project, which has improved the appearance of the cemetery for loved ones visiting gravesites and for casual visitors. Sroczynski is currently a senior at Ramsey High School, where he has been named the valedictorian of the Class of 2010. Throughout his academic career, he has consistently been on the high honor roll, and has received numerous awards, including the Scholastic “R” award, the Advanced Placement Scholar award, the Excellence in Mathematics award, and the honors and AP chemistry awards. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society. He is a recipient of the Bloustein Scholarship and is a National Merit Finalist. He has also been a member of the RHS Tennis Team and a member of the Science League and Math League. In 2009, he was accepted to and attended the New Jersey Governor’s School on the Environment. Outside of school, he has studied the piano for 12 years, and enjoys skiing, running, soccer, and reading. In the fall, Sroczynski plans to attend Cornell University to study engineering. Sroczynski becomes Eagle Zack earns Eagle status Joseph S. Zack, who began his Boy Scouting adventure as a Bobcat Cub in Mahwah Pack 197, has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. This is the highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve. In 2003, Zack earned the Arrow of Light Award and bridged over to Boy Scout Troop 258 lead by Mr. Raymond Mees. Zack worked hard in order to move up the ranks, and was elected by his peers into the Order of the Arrow, which is an Honor Society of Scouting. He also held many leadership positions in Troop 258, including assistant senior patrol leader, den chief, patrol and assistant patrol leader for Scorpions, and troop guide. When it came to choosing an Eagle Project, Zack opted to write and produce a short movie called “We Are All a Little Different.” His movie is an instructional film about disability awareness. He felt that both children and adults could benefit by seeing a fun educational movie about accepting people for who they are. With the guidance of his sponsor, Father William Sheridan from Immaculate Conception Church, Zack overcame many obstacles, including getting 14 of his friends and fellow Boy Scouts to learn their lines and get through rehearsals and filming without too many outtakes. His leadership skills paid off when he had to make many last minute decisions about relocating the filming of scenes due to scheduling conflicts and weather. Zack has served his parish for many years as an altar boy and is presently a lector at Immaculate Conception RC Church. On June 22, he will graduate from Mahwah High School and attend Montclair State University, where he David Warren Sroczynski of Ramsey He is currently a patrol leader in Troop 31 and plans to help other Scouts pursue their own paths in Scouting. Sroczynski thanked all the leaders and Scouts in Troop 31, his friends and family members who guided and supported him throughout his Scouting career, Alden Hansel, Dan Bergin, and Englishman’s Hardware in Ramsey for their assistance with his service project. Sroczynski began his Scouting career with Tiger Cub in Pack 175 in Ramsey. He reached the level of Webelos and earned his Arrow of Light, the highest award in Cub Scouting. In 2003, he crossed over to Boy Scout Troop 31. He served in the leadership positions of scribe, patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, and senior patrol leader. Sroczynski attended summer camp at NoBeBoSco and Ten Mile River and many other camping and canoeing trips. He enjoyed the beach camping at Assateague Island, Maryland, climbing Mount Washington, New Hampshire, and the trips to the Outer Banks in North Carolina and Lake Sebago in Maine. Joseph S. Zack plans to major in radio and broadcasting and minor in theater. Zack thanked his parents and all those who have encouraged and inspired him along his journey to Eagle Scout, especially his fellow Scouts and leaders. He extended special thanks to Fr. Sheridan, Ray Mees, John Gaut, Joe Lomupo, Denis Hurley, Rick Sabedra, David Howard, Ernie Delcher, Bob Homler, David Haas, Patrice Scully, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Wieland, Patti Cantor, Sharon Ticchio, Stacy McAvoy for their support; and to Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerny and Director of Public Safety James Mordaga for allowing him to have his ceremony in the Hall of Heroes. ��������������������������� ������������������������������������������ ���������������� The Villadom TIMES will be publishing a special supplement on June 9 honoring West Bergen Center for Children & Youth and its ongoing services to meet the needs of mentally ill children in our community. By including your advertisement in this special section, you will reach over 140,000 residents in 12 Bergen County towns – while helping to promote West Bergen Center for Children & Youth’s services. For more information or to reserve your space, call Ester or your Villadom TIMES representative at 201-652-0744; email ester@villadom.com. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER ����������������������������������������� Reservation Deadline: Friday, May 28