Troop 222 to host court of honor for three new Eagle Scouts

Scouting America Troop 222 of Menlo Park announced that it will be holding a National Eagle Court of Honor for three scouts who recently attained the rank of Eagle, the highest and most prestigious rank of Scouting America’s program, achieved by only six percent of scouts. The Court of Honor will recognize Emile Freeman, Rajit Ghosh, and William Knox and will take place on July 11, 2025, at 7:00pm at the Palo Alto Scout Service Center (1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.)

The journey to the Eagle rank is a multi-year endeavor that requires fulfillment of predefined requirements. A scout must progress through seven ranks — Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. The first four ranks focus on skill development in 14 subcategories including Aquatics, Outdoor Ethics, Tools, and Citizenship, while the last three ranks emphasize leadership, merit badges, and service.

For at least 16 months, the scout must hold approved leadership positions such as Patrol Leader or Quartermaster. Each scout must earn at least 21 merit badges, 14 of which are required, including Cooking, First Aid, and Personal Management. In addition, scouts must plan, manage, and execute an Eagle Scout Leadership Service project that benefits a community organization. Eagle projects average over 100 person-hours of time. As with all ranks, scouts must pass a Scoutmaster conference. Finally, the scout must pass a Board of Review consisting of members from the regional council.

“Each of these Eagle Scouts has made significant contributions to the troop, helping it to grow and thrive in the community. We couldn’t be more proud,” said Scoutmaster Kristine De Lisle. “Early in their scouting careers in 2020 and 2021, all three faced pandemic-driven challenges such as canceled outings and virtual meetings, but they persisted and completed the program. They are already responsible citizens and I know they will continue to make a positive contribution to their communities.”

Emile Freeman is a fourth-generation Eagle Scout. He held the leadership positions of Troop Historian and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. For Emile’s Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project, he worked closely with the Palo Alto Vista Center for the Blind and members from the Menlo-Atherton High School Robotics Team to design and manufacture 3D-printed accessible games and puzzles for visually impaired individuals.  Emile will be a senior at M-A in the fall.

Rajit Ghosh served as Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader for the troop. His Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project involved designing and creating hands-on physics demos for The Physics Show organized by Professor Frank Cascarano at Foothill College, which focuses on educating children in underserved Title I schools. Raj graduated from M-A High School in June with a Departmental Award for Academic Excellence in Physical Science and recognition from the California Scholarship Federation. He will be studying computer science at the University of Washington.

William Knox held leadership positions of Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. For Will’s Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project, he refurbished a welcome sign and fence for Holbrook-Palmer Park. This involved organizing and leading a team of volunteers to install a new white-picket fence segment, make repairs, and repaint both the fence and sign. Will graduated from M-A High School in June. He received a Departmental Award for Academic Excellence in Music as well as the Director’s Award for his contributions to the school’s music program. Will is also a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. He will attend Oberlin College and Conservatory in Ohio, studying physics and music.

Serving Menlo Park since 1953, Troop 222 welcomes all youth ages 11 to 17. The troop is nondenominational, with about 50 scouts and offers weekly meetings, camping and outdoor activities throughout the year including summer camp, as well as service opportunities and high adventure trips. For more information, please visit the troop website http://t222.org.

Pictured is Rajit Ghosh (left), Emile Freeman (middle), William Knox (right)