After years of sharpening their skills and gaining valuable leadership experience, two members of Swampscott’s Troop 53, Adrian Laporte and Aiden Tat, were officially declared Eagle Scouts and honored with an induction ceremony on Saturday morning.
An Eagle Scout is the highest honor within the Scouts. Only about 4% of Scouts reach the accreditation. Laporte and Tat earned the 21 merit badges required to become an Eagle Scout over the course of seven years they spent with the Swampscott troop. Both held leadership positions and set an example that younger members have followed.
The pair of Swampscott High School graduating seniors were surrounded by friends and family at Saturday’s ceremony, where they received numerous certificates from elected officials and organizations.
“It is an honor to celebrate these two extraordinary young men,” said State Rep. Jenny Armini (8th Essex District). “When I learned about their projects, I was struck by a common thread. Both chose to care about something that mattered to others.”
In order to become an Eagle Scout, candidates must complete a service project. Tat chose to rebuild the nativity stable for St. John’s Church, which was destroyed in a storm. LaPorte restored a World War I cannon that sits in Swampscott Cemetery, which commemorates Swampscott residents who died in the war.
Both Eagle Scouts also received American Flags that were flown over the United States Capitol Building to celebrate their achievement.
LaPorte and Tat selected someone to speak on both of their behalf during the ceremony. LaPorte chose Swampscott High School Band Director Edi Rovi and Tat chose Troop 53 Assistant Scoutmaster Steve Hutcheon.
“I’ve watched him grow from a tiny kid playing saxophone into a person that’s towering over me now,” said Rovi of LaPorte. “He’s been an incredible kid to have…I’m just incredibly proud of him for everything he has accomplished.
Rovi said one thing that stands out about LaPorte is that he has never heard him say ‘no’ and that he always responds with a “yes, sir.”
Next year, LaPorte will attend Virginia Military Institute and study history.
“I’ve been anticipating this moment for years,” said LaPorte. “I guess time flies when you’re having fun.”
LaPorte said the fact his time with Troop 53 was running low really set in while he was on his last camping trip with the group in February.
“There came a realization that I made the best memories of my life with this troop,” said LaPorte.
Hutcheon said he has watched Tat grow from new Cub Scout to a leader with Troop 53.
“Aiden became one of the most reliable scouts in the troop,” said Hutcheon. “Over the years he became an expert in many things. Camping, climbing, challenges and camp cooking.”
Hutcheon said Tat excels in the kitchen, making restaurant quality meals. Tat once made the Troop pho, which Hutcheon recalled as one of the best meals he has ever eaten.
“Aiden didn’t just learn skills, he shared them as well,” said Hutcheon. “Whether he was teaching about rock climbing techniques, explaining how to raise chickens, how to build computers…he always led with patience and encouragement. He has a good, calm and steady way of helping others, even during the most chaotic scout activities.”
Tat said during his time with Troop 53 he has pushed himself beyond what he thought he was capable of.
“It represents years of growth, challenges, friendships and experiences that have shaped who I am today,” said Tat. “I still remember being a newer scout, looking up to the toddler scouts for guidance. Over time, I found myself in that same position, teaching skills and helping younger scouts grow.”
Tat will be off in the fall to the Colorado School of Mines where he will be studying mechanical engineering.
Following the ceremony, LaPorte, Tat and their friends and families enjoyed lunch and refreshments while celebrations continued.
