Local People

Last Updated on Tuesday, 01 March 2022 02:33

William “Billy” Michael Wivagg of Scout Troop 4, from McMurray, PA was recognized for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in a Court of Honor ceremony held on Saturday January 8, at St. Louise de Marillac Church. Billy is the son of Bill and Kyra Wivagg.

Eagle Scout Michael Wivagg (at left) is congratulated by Elk Scouting representative Russ Spicuzza.

The final hurdle in the quest for this highest Rank for Boy Scouting is a community service challenge, titled “Eagle Project”. The candidate for Eagle must be in charge of all aspects of the project. The tasks include but are not limited to; planning, financing, implementation, completion and final presentation of the completed project to a committee of Boy Scout leaders.

Billy’s Eagle project benefitted a mission in Kenya. The project consisted of collecting used clothing, toiletries and Bibles for the mission for impoverished women and their children. Billy organized the scouts of Troop 4 on several workdays to construct and set up donation boxes in various locations, directed scouts to solicit items and sort and package the items. He raised $3,442 through a Sarris Candy Sale, Dress Down Day at Seton LaSalle, car wash and received other donations. He was able to ship 100 Bibles, toiletries and some clothing in two boxes. The remaining clothing was donated to St. Vincent de Paul. In all, 18 scouts volunteered 199 hours, 7 Troop 4 adults contributed 114 hours and 5 others added an additional 17 hours, totaling 330 hours.

There were many letters of recognition; from National, State and local dignitaries. Numerous Eagle Scouts were on hand. Russ Spicuzza, Elk Scouting Representative, of South Hills B.P.O.E. Lodge 2213 in Bethel Park gave a short congratulatory talk and presented the new Eagle Scout with two framed Certificates of Merit, one each from the Local and National Elks Lodge (Chicago). He also presented Timothy with a personal sized American flag and a small gold lapel pin, which represents 80+ years of the relationship between the Elks and Scouting.