Contributed photograph
Saratogans Paul Snider, Doug Schaller and Dan Garappolo have each earned the honor of Eagle Scout.
Three teenagers earn Eagle Scout rank
Friends choose high school for their Eagle projects
By Shari Kaplan
Three friends and fellow members of Saratoga's Boy Scout Troop #508 recently celebrated their achievement of the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America-that of Eagle Scout.
Paul Snider, Doug Schaller and Dan Garappolo are all college-bound seniors at Saratoga High School and have been friends since their preschool days. Cub Scouts before they became Boy Scouts, all three have been involved in scouting in the Saratoga area since they were kindergartners.
In order for the three young men to reach the level at which they could initiate their Eagle community service projects, they first had to complete approximately 325 requirements over the years and earn a minimum of 21 merit badges in a variety of Boy Scout activities, skills and disciplines.
Some of the required badges include camping, first aid, environmental science, personal fitness and family life. The scouts must also put in 16 months of troop leadership and pass a board of review directed by scouting leaders on the district level.
Along with actually carrying out the project, a prospective Eagle Scout must also learn how to plan a course of action, obtain materials, raise funds if necessary and recruit scouts and other volunteers for assistance. All of this must be completed before the boy turns 18. Only 2 to 4 percent of all Boy Scouts in the United States go far enough in scouting to attempt the rank of Eagle.
The three friends all chose Saratoga High School as the recipient of their Eagle projects. Snider's project involved the construction and placement of two benches in front of the gymnasium area. Schaller built an irrigation system in three cement planter boxes to enhance the appearance of the swimming pool area; he also did some gardening in the boxes. Garappolo chose to rebuild and paint the backstop wall on the school's tennis courts.
Saratoga, California Since 1955
