Gables Scout takes on hurdles to achieve Eagle rank
Angelo Pis-Dudot, a member of Boy Scout Troop 76 at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, recently attained the Eagle Scout rank, the highest level a Boy Scout can achieve. But his contributions will benefit Coral Gables Senior High for many years to come.
According to Cesar Fernandez, Scoutmaster of Troop 76, “about four percent of Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle.” Angelo’s journey toward becoming an Eagle Scout began during middle school with the help of childhood friend, James Kiefert.
“He was a Boy Scout and brought me to the troop meeting,” said Angelo. “My brother had recently joined Cub Scouts, same troop as James.”
He ended up joining Boy Scouts but did not initially aspire to become an Eagle Scout. In fact, it wasn’t until Angelo neared his 18th birthday that he felt achieving his Eagle badge was within reach.
“When I first joined the troop, I was in it for the fun of it. I thought I was at a disadvantage. Most scouts join when they’re 10 and 11. I joined when I was 13. As 18 turned nearer, I started to speed up the process of getting to Eagle.”
Currently enrolled at Coral Gables Senior High, Angelo was a member of his school’s track team for three years before deciding to combine passion for this extracurricular with his Eagle Scout service project.
After filling out mounds of meticulous paperwork, he went before his fellow Boy Scouts, Troop 76 leaders and the Tequesta District Eagle Board for approval of a proposed service project.
He set out to help his track team by refurbishing hurdles and cleaning out the sandpits they used during practices.
“I felt it was attainable,” said Angelo. “I just needed to put in the time and effort.”
The plastic faces on his team’s hurdles were broken down the middle. The track team attempted to mend the problem with duct tape but the potential for injury still remained. The sharp edges of the broken hurdles could potentially cut athletes.
Angelo requested the help of Principal Adolfo Costa to secure new hurdles for the team. Alongside his friends, family, and volunteers from Troop 76, Angelo installed new faces and anti-rust hardware to the hurdles.
Amid the college application process, Angelo has lofty ambitions for the future. “I plan to apply early action to Yale,” the accomplished senior said. He intends to study philosophy, political science, economics or history.
Angelo was modest about being granted the prestigious Eagle rank, which the Tequesta District Eagle Board bestowed on March 13, followed by a Court of Honor ceremony on May 20. But Scoutmaster Fernandez praised him to the highest degree.
“Angelo is one of the most amazing young men I’ve ever met,” Mr. Fernandez said. “He’s very mature, far-sighted, confident and balanced.”
But even with potential greatness on the horizon, Angelo remains dedicated to Troop 76. “I intend to continue my involvement in the troop,” he says.
