Abby Nelson - Reading’s first female Eagle Scout. Photo provided by Michelle Greenwalt.

On February 28th 2026, Reading Troop 702 celebrated seven new Eagle Scouts at Old South United Methodist Church surrounded by family, friends, and distinguished guests, including members of Good Samaritan Lodge and our Reading Select Board. Master of Ceremonies Zalen Puff, a Troop 702 Life Scout, and our Scoutmaster Andrew Ryan skillfully guided the group through the ceremony, while Old South’s pastor, Rev. JongWook Hong, honored us with an inspiring Invocation and Benediction. We’re proud to report that the group includes Reading’s first ever female Eagle Scout, Abigail Nelson!

Troop 702 Eagle Scouts Honored February 28th, 2026

Caleb McGonagle
Jack Goodfellow
Thomas Cockrell
Evan Audley
Marcus Villarroel
Zackary Lizotte
Abigail Nelson

Troop 702 Eagle Scouts. Photo provided by Michelle Greenwalt.

The new Eagle Scouts had to complete 325 requirements and at least 21 merit badges over the course of their Scouting careers since age 11, specializing in outdoor skills, leadership, and service projects, including a capstone Eagle Project. The projects serve our community while providing an opportunity for the scouts to manage a project from concept, through fundraising, execution, and report completion. Eagle Scout projects for our most recent group of Eagles include:

Sawtelle Hospice Boardwalk - Caleb
Masons Food Pantry Collection Storage Cart - Jack
Reading Town Forest Planting Project - Thomas
Reading Town Forest Trail Steps - Evan
Middlesex Fells Historical Info Posts - Marcus
Cedar Swamp Bat Boxes - Zackary
CCP Playground Shade Sail - Abigail

Eagle Scouts receive Grand Lodge Masonic Certificate of Recognition. Photo provided by Michelle Greenwalt.

Troop 702 has been honored to award this rank to Scouts who have earned it since its founding in 1915, over one hundred eleven years ago. To date, one hundred fifty-five Scouts have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout from the Troop. These Scouts also represent the first group to earn the rank since Troop 702 became newly sponsored by the Reading Rifle & Revolver Club in January 2025. The Troop also continues to affiliate with the Old South United Methodist Church, its original sponsor, maintaining a treasured relationship since the Troop’s founding over a century ago. We’re pleased to say that Scouting in Reading is strong and we are growing. We have a fantastic, welcoming local culture focused on teaching Reading youth outdoor skills and leadership fundamentals, and we couldn’t be prouder of our latest group of Eagle Scouts!

The Friends of Reading Scouting is a group of parent volunteers and trained Scout Leaders committed to providing high quality Scouting for families and youth. You can find more information, find a Pack or Troop to join or support local Scouting at our website, www.ReadingScouting.org.