Troop 1 Gaspee Plateau Celebrates New Eagle Scouts

WARWICK, RI — Troop 1 Gaspee Plateau had dubbed in 91 Eagle Scouts in its 84 years, before Aug. 20 when they added Rourke Noel Ferguson  and Thomas Perry Rawson to the ranks of those who’ve earned the honor.

“Tonight, we are gathered to add two more names to this elite group.  As you will see, these two young men have traveled much of the Eagle trail together.  Thus, it is only fitting that they share the spotlight at this High Court of Honor,” said Scoutmaster Gerry Terceiro as he introduced the prospective new Eagle Scouts at their regular meeting spot, Asbury United Methodist Church on Ann Mary Brown Drive.

Ferguson, the son of Kathy O’Rourke and Jay Ferguson, began his scouting career with Pack 1 Gaspee Plateau in the fall of 2007 as a Webelos Scout.  After earning his Arrow of Light in early 2009, he crossed over into Troop 1 Gaspee Plateau and began the long road to Eagle.

Ferguson has earned 27 merit badges on his journey to this prestigious rank, six more than required.  He is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s honor society.  As a troop member, Rourke held numerous leadership positions including Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster.  He continues as an adult leader at the position of Assistant Scoutmaster where his skill and experience provide a valuable asset.

For his Eagle project, he cleared a recently discovered historic cemetery in Warwick.  His leadership and organizational skills were put to the test as he collected the needed tools and materials and lead the troop in cleaning the overgrown area.  Following his project, researchers began the work of searching for and documenting the long forgotten graves. The results of his project will help the local community recover a long lost part of its history.

Ferguson is a 2016 graduate of Pilgrim High School in Warwick.  He enjoys music and led the drumline in the school band.  He plans begin a career in the  US Navy shortly.

Rawson, the son of Karen and Stephen Rawson,  began his scouting career with Rourke, joining Pack 1 in the fall of 2007 as a Webelos Scout.  After earning his Arrow of Light in early 2009, he moved up to Troop 1 Gaspee Plateau and began the trail to Eagle.

Thomas has earned 25 merit badges on his way to Eagle, and is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow.  He has held many leadership positions in Troop 1 Gaspee Plateau, including Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster.  Today, he continues to serve as an example to younger scouts in the role of Assistant Scoutmaster.

Thomas also choose historic cemeteries as the focus of his Eagle project.  He led the troop in cleaning up 3 adjacent cemeteries that had recently suffered storm damage.  They repaired stone walls, cleared brush, and removed fallen tree limbs.  Thomas’s efforts to maintain and preserve our local history will benefit the community for years to come.

Thomas is a 2016 graduate of Pilgrim High School, where he participated in football and track.  In the future, he plans to serve our country as a member of the US Army.