It’s official: Nick Kozankywycz, of Boy Scout Troop 321, officially became an Eagle Scout earlier this month during a Court of Honor ceremony at Presentation BVM Church. For his service project, he collected toys and money for the annual Rubye’s Kids holiday party. TOM WARING / TIMES PHOTO
Nicholas Kozankywycz, of Burholme, became Boy Scout Troop 321’s latest Eagle Scout earlier this month, during a Court of Honor at the Presentation BVM church hall.
For his service project, the 17-year-old Central High School junior collected toys and money for the annual Rubye’s Kids holiday party. He collected the items after Mass at Presentation and St. Joseph, both located in Cheltenham.
The donation helped provide gifts for some of the 500 needy kids who attend the party each December.
“I’m really so impressed with a young man like Nick,” said Roz Weiss, who co-founded Rubye’s Kids 20 years ago.
Scoutmaster John Masluk described him as a quiet, valuable leader who sets an example for the younger members of Troop 321.
Kozankywycz, who joined Troop 321 in first grade, said Scouting has taught him to be a leader and to help people. He has served as a patrol leader and assistant senior patrol leader. He’s earned numerous merit badges and demonstrated Scout spirit.
The teenager received proclamations from state Reps. Brendan Boyle and Kevin Boyle and state Sen. Shirley Kitchen. He also received congratulatory notes from Barack and Michelle Obama and George and Barbara Bush.
Rising Sun Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2819 Commander Frank DeFranco presented him with a plaque. The Marine Corps League gave him the Good Citizenship Award.
Among those in attendance was the Rev. William Harrison, pastor at Presentation and St. Joseph. ••
