Sparta - Brendan O’Leary, 17 year old son of Katherine and Thomas O’Leary of Sparta, received his Eagle Scout rank at a special Eagle Court of Honor at the Sparta United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 16. Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouting, requiring many years of hard work and dedication. It carries special significance as only about 5 percent of all scouts achieve this distinction. To earn the rank of Eagle, a scout must demonstrate proficiency in the areas of leadership, service, outdoor skills, citizenship, character and personal fitness by earni1ng at least 21 merit badges and completing a special community service project. Since joining Boy Scout Troop 150 in April 2001 Brendan has earned 23 merit badges and served the troop as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader and Troop Guide. For his Eagle Project, Brendan constructed “Tommy’s Wall”, a soccer practice wall dedicated to the memory of Tommy Nelson, the fourth grade student who died five years ago in a skiing accident. This project, completed in November 2007, resonated deeply for many members of Boy Scout Troop 150 who were cub scouts with Tommy. Sponsored by the Sparta Soccer Club, the 12 foot tall 32 foot wide wall took months of work to complete and serves both as a useful addition to Station Park and a fitting memorial to their friend who loved to play soccer. While working towards his Eagle Scout rank, Brendan kept busy in many sports including baseball, swimming and soccer. Brendan has loved playing baseball since he was 4-years old. He has played in the Sparta Little League, the Babe Ruth league and for the Sparta High School Team. A catcher, Brendan played for the “Iron Area” All-Star Team from Sussex and Morris Counties, making it all the way to the Babe Ruth World Series last year. Brendan has been on competitive swim teams since he was 8-years old and was the Sparta High School Swim Team 2006-2007 team MVP and made All-SCIL honorable mention. In soccer, Brendan played defense for the 2007 SCIL championship team. He also enjoys snowboarding and surfing and has kept busy during the summer working as a lifeguard for the Lake Mohawk Country Club. Brendan is currently a senior at Sparta High School with plans to attend college next year to major in exercise science with a minor in either education or marketing. But whatever career path he chooses, he knows that coaching and scouting will be in his future.