BURRILLVILLE – Locals will gather at the Assembly Theatre next month to celebrate a member who has achieved Scouting America’s highest rank – the first to do so as a member of Burrillville’s Troop 88.
An Eagle Scout Court of Honor celebrating Jesse Kearsley will be held on Saturday, April 11 starting at 1 p.m.
The event is the culmination of hard work to achieve the rank, including completion of an Eagle project that saw a new kiosk built by the duck pond on the Burrillville Bike Path. Kearsley worked with the Burrillville Conservation Commission to erect the structure with his fellow Scouts, which will be used to hold a new trail map that is now in the works.
Kearsley was originally a member of Troop 102 Mapleville, which became Troop 88 last year in recognition of a partnership with Berard Desjarlais American Legion Post 88.
Led by Scoutmaster Daniel Esposito, the troop officially changed names to align with the veterans’ group, which became their chartered organization last fall.
“They support us and we them,” Esposito explained.
Commander Ray Trinque noted that Post 88 has a long history of involvement with scouting, and worked with a prior Troop 88 in Nasonville some 40 years ago. When Troop 102 lost its prior meeting space at a local church last year, Trinque said, “we were more than happy to say ‘jump in.'”
Now, scouts occupy the post’s Binns Building on Chapel Street two days a week, with the troop meeting each Wednesday, and Cub Scouts gathering every Thursday.
“Everything worked out splendidly,” Trinque said. “They loved being there and we loved having them.”
As the two organizations aligned behind the number 88, the post purchased flags for the troop bearing the new name.
“We have a really active troop there – we love them,” Trinque said. “They have great leaders and great kids. We’re glad to host them. It really goes with our history and the national legion’s goal of making scouting a priority.”
Esposito noted that six new Cub Scouts recently crossed into Troop 88 to start their Eagle journey.
Kearsley’s, meanwhile, is now complete, and the scout was recognized by the House in the Rhode Island General Assembly for the achievement with a resolution passed last week. The Burrillville Town Council also passed a citation recognizing his work.
“We the Town Council of the town of Burrillville commend the commitment, effort and integrity required to achieve this prestigious rank and are grateful to have such an individual to be an integral part of our community,” the citation notes.
The scout’s parents, David and Andrea Kearsley, will host the Court of Honor at the theater at 26 East Ave. with a reception to follow.
