Kean Hosts Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold Award Event

(August 14, 2026) READINGTON, NJ - Yesterday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) held his third Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold Award Event. Scouts from New Jersey's 7th Congressional District who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout or completed their Girl Scout Gold Award in 2025 and 2026 were invited to attend. Family, Scoutmasters and other adult scout leaders from across the district were also welcome to join the celebration with their Scouts.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America organization. To become an Eagle Scout, one must earn a total of 21 merit badges and demonstrate scout spirit, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that scouts plan, organize, lead, and manage.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest and most prestigious achievement in Girl Scouting, requiring Seniors and Ambassadors in grades 9-12 to complete a rigorous, sustainable community service project of at least 80 hours. They must identify a community issue, research its root cause, build a team of volunteers and community experts, and create a sustainable, long-lasting solution.

"Very few receive the rank of Eagle Scout or earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, and those who do deserve to be recognized for this achievement," said Congressman Kean. "Through their generosity and creativity, they are laying the groundwork for lives that will be directed by the values of volunteering, leadership and civic duty, which will impact the world around them in distinct and impactful ways."

"As an Eagle Scout myself, I was pleased to participate in Congressman Kean's Scout recognition ceremony, where I had the opportunity to say a few words and introduce him," said Eagle Scout and Readington Township Committeeman Adam Mueller. "Congressman Kean has been a consistent and genuine supporter of Scouting in our district. His commitment to recognizing the hard work, leadership, and service of our Scouts strengthens these programs and the young people who benefit from them. We're fortunate to have a representative who understands the value of Scouting and actively invests in its success."

"Being an Eagle Scout takes years of commitment, leadership, and hard work. It is a challenge that most kids, even Scouts, do not achieve," said Eagle Scout Christopher Forzani. "Because of this, it was an honor to learn about the Eagle Projects of other local Scouts and to meet Congressman Tom Kean, who gifted each Scout a flag that had been flown over the Capitol."

"I appreciate Congressman Kean and his staff hosting this event to recognize those who have earned the highest awards in Scouting," said Girl Scout Gold Award recipient Faith Feldman. "It was really cool to receive a flag that has been flown at the US Capitol."

The event honored 20 Eagle and Girl Scouts who represented all six counties in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District. More than 55 people attended this event, including parents, grandparents, siblings, and adult scout leaders.

To view pictures from this event, click HERE.

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