Nearly 200 new Eagle Scouts honored – National award – Project of the year

Nearly 200 New Eagle Scouts Honored at Annual Recognition Dinner. Richard Peirce, Roberto Moreno and Todd Gustafson honored with National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. Aniel Barnick awarded Eagle Project of the Year

Narragansett Council Scouting America celebrated the achievements of 192 young men and women who earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout in 2024 at their annual Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner on Tuesday. The 2024 class included 8 female Eagle Scouts, continuing to highlight the growing reach of the Scouting community.

This year’s National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award recipients, Richard Peirce, Roberto Moreno and Todd Gustafson, were also recognized at the event. The award is bestowed upon Eagle Scouts who have made notable contributions to their communities and professions, reinforcing Scouting’s tradition of shaping leaders who go on to contribute to society.

In addition to the Outstanding Eagle recipients, the Council honored Aniel Barnick with the Eagle Project of the Year award. Aneil’s project focused on the revitalization of the Historic Mill Site at Massasoit State Park in Taunton, Massachusetts. He restored the previous trail and updated the signage in the area, investing 476 hours and 54 minutes into the project.

“Our local Scouts and their dedicated adult volunteer leaders exemplify the highest standards of excellence in the community, and our Eagle Scouts are a testament to that excellence,” said Tim McCandless, Scout Executive and CEO of the Narragansett Council. “We are thankful to Richard, Roberto and Todd for their dedication to the community. They are wonderful role models to our Scouts serving as a reminder of the impact that one Eagle Scout can have on their community and beyond.”

National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award Recipients:

Richard Peirce is an accomplished attorney who has dedicated his time to Somerset public education, provided leadership to the alumni community of his alma mater, the College of the Holy Cross, and maintained a relationship with Scouting. In his Scouting career, he earned his Eagle Scout rank in Troop 2 Somerset in 1960, received the Firestone Award in 1959, and achieved Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow. He served as Chief of Area 1-C for the OA between 1965 and 1966 and oversaw the ceremonial team in Massasoit Council in the mid-1960s. He clerked for the Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court and served as legal counsel to the Capitol Center Commission, which regulates development in the Downtown Providence Capitol Center Special Development District. His expertise lies in labor and employment law, and he is a name partner at Roberts Carroll Feldstein & Peirce in Providence. Richard is also recognized as an Arrow Vigil Honor, Silver Beaver, NESA Legacy Member, OA Legacy Member and Founders Circle Member.

Roberto Moreno earned his Eagle rank in 2012 as a member of Troop 3, Central Falls. A lifelong resident of Pawtucket, he served on the Pawtucket School Committee from 2019 to 2023, including two years as vice chairperson. In 2023, he was elected as an at-large member of the Pawtucket City Council, where he serves on the Property Committee, Claims Committee, Recreation Committee and the Ad-Hoc Committee on Public Safety. He is also a member of the Pawtucket Water Supply Board, working to ensure the city’s water infrastructure remains reliable and well-maintained. Through his professional experience, he is committed to supporting stable and accessible housing for families in need. Roberto’s background as an Eagle Scout has shaped his dedication to leadership and service. Whether through his work in housing, city government or community initiatives, he remains focused on addressing local challenges and contributing to the well-being of Pawtucket and its residents.

Todd Gustafson is the President of HP Federal LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HP Inc. He also serves as HP’s vice president of Public Sector Sales in the United States, covering the higher education, K-12 education, state and local government customer segments, as well as federal systems integrators. Todd has participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge and contributed to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, raising money for cancer research. He has been involved in the program since 2008 and continues to ride to raise awareness and support for those in need. His current responsibilities include P&L ownership, strategic financial planning, product and technology strategies, sales force strategy and structure and customer and partner relationships. He is an Eagle Scout from Troop 1 Arnold Mills, class of 1976, and a member of the Narragansett Council Executive Board.

The event was fully sponsored by generous benefactors, underscoring the community’s support for Scouting, ensuring that all Eagle Scouts could attend at no cost. The sponsorships reflect a shared commitment to fostering leadership, character development and civic engagement among youth, said McCandless.

“The rank of Eagle Scout is more than just an achievement; it is a reflection of the perseverance, leadership and service that each recipient embodies,” McCandless added. “The positive influence of Scouting on young people is immeasurable, equipping them with the skills and values needed to become the leaders of tomorrow.”

For a full list of Eagle Scouts, go HERE!

Richard Peirce (middle) honored with the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award.

Roberto Moreno (middle) honored with the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award.

Todd Gustafson (middle) honored with the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award.

Aniel Barnick (middle) honored

About the Narragansett Council: The mission of Narragansett Council Scouting America is to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The Narragansett Council’s research-backed, youth development programs are for boys and girls ages 6 to 20 through Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts and Exploring. The council serves over 5,000 youth annually in Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Pawcatuck, Connecticut. People can learn about Scouting programs and find groups near them at www.BeAScout.org. On May 7, 2024, it was announced that the Boy Scouts of America are rebranding as Scouting America. For more information on the Narragansett Council, please visit www.ncscouts.org or visit us at facebook.com/ncscouts/.