Bloomingdale Scout Helped Construct Appalachian Trail Bridge

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Thomas Robert Tracey was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on July 7, 2012 at the Bloomingdale United Methodist Church.

He is the son of Beth and Thomas, and the brother of Sara, grandson of Marilyn and Thomas Tracey of West Milford, and Dolores and Robert Brauman of Pompton Lakes.

Thomas is a member of Boy Scout Troop 86 of Bloomingdale. Thomas first began Scouting when he was in first grade as a Tiger Scout with Cub Scout Pack 86 in Bloomingdale.

As a Boy Scout with Troop 86, he attended many Scouting events, such as The Klondike Derby, hiking and backpacking trips, campouts, parades and biking trips.  He has also helped with many pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, flower sales, popcorn sales and cleanup days in Bloomingdale.  In leadership roles, Thomas served as assistant patrol leader, troop guide, instructor, and quartermaster. Thomas earned 22 merit badges.

Tom completed his Eagle Project on August 20, 2011. He planned, organized and led his troop of Scouts and adult leaders in constructing a 16 foot long bridge on a section of the Appalachian Trail. The task required hiking over 3600 pounds of lumber approximately 1 mile to the site on a weekend, and constructing the bridge the next weekend.

Tom received the rank of Eagle at his final Board of Review on March 15, 2012.

The master of ceremonies for the Court of Honor was his life long friend and Eagle Scout Trevor Verdonik of Butler. 

Many awards and presentations were given to Thomas during the ceremony.  Among them he received a commendation from Officer Matthew Celmer of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office.

Bloomingdale Mayor Jonathan Dunleavy spoke of Thomas’ achievements and presented him with a Proclamation proclaiming July 7, 2012 as “Thomas Tracey Day in Bloomingdale.”

Thomas received many congratulatory letters from many dignitaries, including letters from all of the living presidents, the vice president, the secretary of state, members of the Senate and Congress and other dignitaries.

He also received a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol that was at the request of Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen.

Thomas presented his parents with Eagle Scout Parent pins and his sister with the Eagle Scout Mentor pin.

The ceremony was followed by a luncheon for The Troop, family, and friends at Troxler Hall.

Thomas is attending Kean University where he is majoring in Theater Design and Technology.