20 Scouts from Troop 155 advance in rank

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Boy Scout Troop 155, chartered by the West Freehold School PTO, held its first Court of Honor of the school year on Oct. 17 at the West Freehold School. It was successfully led by Senior Patrol Leader Andrew O'Sullivan.

Representatives from the Marine Corps League were first on the program. They presented certificates of appreciation to the Scouts, leaders and adults who participated in the annual flag placement event held the Saturday before Memorial Day. The Marine Corps League representatives also commended the troop members for the fine work they have done for the community.

Twenty Scouts advanced in rank. Frank Conforti, Billy Funk and Michael Potter advanced to the rank of Scout and were given Troop T-shirts. Jim Creech, Steve Olmo, Daniel Summonte and Jake Simon advanced to the rank of Tenderfoot and were given troop neckerchiefs.

Advancing to the rank of Second Class were Jake Biddle, Jim Creech, Andrew Freire, Gregory Ippolito, Tony Pezzullo, Michael Tuozzolo and Michael Zucker. Matt Ferrara, Chris Friedman, Nick Kramer and D.J. Simon advanced to Star Scout. Peter Conforti, Brennan Cornell and Phillip Hu advanced to the rank of Life.

Each Scout was given a special pin to commemorate his advancement. The pin was then presented to each Scout's parent.

A record number of merit badges were awarded - 151 merit badges total. Many of these merit badges were earned during the troop's summer camp week at Monmouth Council's Forestburg Scout Reservation in New York State in July. In addition, the Polar Bear Swim Patch, the Kayaking BSA Patch and the Mile Swim Patch were given to those who participated in these special Forestburg events.

Several Scouts also received the West Point Camporee Patch as well as the Annapolis Historical Trail Medal. Participants who attended the New Jersey State Camporee received a patch, leather tool and T-shirt. Special Den Chief awards were presented to Chris Friedman, Chris Anastasio and Peter Conforti.

Assistant Scoutmaster Fred Stringer presented Andrew O'Sullivan with a black and silver woggle for the leadership and training he demonstrated outside the troop. Andrew staffed the National Youth Leadership Training and did a great job, according to troop officials.

Newly elected youth leaders were inducted. Outgoing Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) Andrew O'Sullivan and Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders (ASPL) Peter Conforti and Chris Anastasio were thanked for their service to the troop as incoming SPL Peter Conforti and ASPLs Frank Anastasio and D.J. Simon took over.

Patrol leaders were also inducted together with their assistant patrol leaders. Finally, junior leadership positions were announced.

A "Scouting for Food" drive for Open Door of Freehold was recently held and a park cleanup is scheduled for the near future.