Two Ocean City Boy Scouts Soar High as "Eagles"

By LESLEY GRAHAM Statistically speaking, only four out of every 100 Boy Scouts will rise to the rank of Eagle Scout. Ocean City added two more of its own to the distinguished list on Sunday morning when Chad Callahan and Mark Faverzani, both recent graduates of Ocean City High School, were honored with the achievement of Eagle rank. Surrounded by family and friends, both Chad and Mark were the recipients of the prestigious mark in their scouting career. Starting their journey together as Cub Scouts, the two dedicated themselves to the arduous process that culminates with obtaining the Eagle Scout badge. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program. It requires earning a total of 21 merit badges, completing a community service project that benefits an organization other than the Boy Scouts, and numerous other requirements that embody the oath and lifestyle of the Boy Scouts. Presiding over the ceremony was Ian Crowley, who emceed the event that included honoring Chad and Mark by a variety of distinguished guests. Congressman Jeff Van Drew praises both Boy Scouts for their community service and hard work. Congressman Jeff Van Drew presented the boys with certificates and challenge coins to mark their achievements. “These boys understand what faith and family and personal responsibility are about. They understand what hard work is about, and I am very proud of them,” Van Drew said in his remarks. Mark was also presented with a Congressional gold medal by Van Drew for his completion of 400 hours of community service. Without the traditional ceremony for the Congressional gold medal, Faverzani was grateful to Van Drew for being able to award his medal in person. Mark, who will head to Villanova University in the fall, built benches to benefit the Ocean City Theatre Company as part of his Eagle Scout journey. He thanked his family and mentors for their support along the way. Chad, who will be attending the University of South Carolina in a few weeks, also built benches for his community service project, but for the benefit of the VFW and in dedication to his grandfather. Mark Faverzani's brother, Frank, who is also an Eagle Scout, leads the Eagle pledge for both Mark and Chad Callahan to recite. Both boys joked about how some parts of the journey were more arduous than others, but with a tone of sincerity and gratitude thanked their families for their dedication and support that helped get them through the final pushes of the process. After reciting the Eagle Pledge and receiving their Eagle pin, both boys were asked to pin their mothers and fathers to symbolize the heart, love, dedication and mentorship that they provided each of them over the course of their journey. Chad and Mark were then able to present mentor pins to those members of their scouting career that impacted their ability to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, which included members of the community and family members. State Assemblyman Antwan McClellan, of Ocean City, was also on hand to congratulate Chad and Mark on their achievement. “As you continue on your journey, don’t forget that you have sand between your toes and salt air in your lungs. Ocean City will always have your back, so go out and continue to make us proud,” McClellan told them. State Assemblyman Antwan McClellan congratulates both Boy Scouts on their achievement. Mark Faverzani receives his Eagle Scout badge from his mother, Superior Court Judge Susan Sheppard. Chad Callahan gives a hug to his mother, Denise, during the ceremony.