[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: January 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      TRIBUTE TO JOHN R. DeGRAIDE

                                 ______


                             HON. JACK REED

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 26, 1994

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute a distinguished young 
man from Rhode Island who has attained the rank of Eagle Scout in the 
Boy Scouts of America. He is John R. DeGraide of Troop 11 in Coventry, 
RI, and he is honored this week for his noteworthy achievement.
  Not every young American who joins the Boy Scouts earns the 
prestigious Eagle Scout Award. In fact, only 2.5 percent of all Boy 
Scouts do. To earn the award, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in 
the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. He must earn 21 
Merit Badges, 11 of which are required from areas such as citizenship 
in the community, citizenship in the nation, citizenship in the world, 
safety, environmental science, and first aid.
  As he progresses through the Boy Scout ranks, a Scout must 
demonstrate participation in increasingly more responsible service 
projects. He must also demonstrate leadership skills by holding one or 
more specific youth leadership positions in his patrol and/or troop. 
This young man has distinguished himself in accordance with these 
criteria.
  For his Eagle Scout project, John organized a group of 5 fellow 
Scouts and 8 adult volunteers, who gave over 72 combined hours of 
service towards the cleaning, repairing and refinishing of 70 wooden 
folding chairs used by visitors to the Nathanael Greene Homstead in 
Coventry. The groups dedication made it possible for elderly, school 
groups and the general public to have an enjoyable place to sit while 
visiting one of Rhode Island's most important historical landmarks.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in saluting 
Eagle Scout John R. DeGraide. In turn, we must duly recognize the Boy 
Scouts of America for establishing the Eagle Scout Award and the 
strenuous criteria its aspirants must meet. This program has through 
its 80 years honed and enhanced the leadership skills and commitment to 
public service of many outstanding Americans, two dozen of whom now 
serve in the House.
  It is my sincere belief that John R. DeGraide will continue his 
public service and in so doing will further distinguish himself and 
consequently better his community. I join friends, colleagues, and 
family who this week salute him.

                          ____________________