From staff reports
Three local Boy Scouts earned their Eagle Scout award from Troop 111 in Seneca.
A ceremony was held recently at Fertigs Community Center to honor Alex R. Best, Alexander D. Fike and Robert P. Schmude.
Best is the son of Todd and Patti Best of Seneca and Brenda Best of Franklin. He is a sophomore at Slippery Rock University, where he studies sports management.
He began his Scouting journey as a Tiger cub with Pack 111. He earned his Arrow of Light and has held the positions of troop guide, OA representative, patrol leader and senior patrol leader. He earned 44 merit badges and the 50 Miler Award.
Best is an ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow. For his Eagle Scout project, he held a cleanup and made improvements to the walking trails at Morrison Park in Seneca.
Fike is the son of Ron and Patty Fike of Franklin.
He is a 2020 graduate of Cranberry High School, where he participated in cross country, wrestling and track and field. He also participated in stage crew for the spring musical and was on the VEX robotics team.
Fike has been in Scouting for 10 years, joining Cub Scouts with Pack 111 in 2010. He earned his Arrow of Light and is a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow.
He has held the positions of assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and senior patrol leader.
Fike worked for one year at Custalogatown Scout Reservation. He is also a longtime member of the Oil City First Church of God, where he has been actively involved in their youth group, Thirst.
Fike’s Eagle Scout project consisted of a beautification project for the Oil Region Alliance by clearing land and debris surrounding an oil derrick near Barkeyville. Fike has joined the United States Air Force.
Schmude is the son of David and Betsy Schmude of Cranberry.
He is a 2020 graduate of Cranberry High School, where he participated in choir and was on the VEX robotics team. He began his career in Scouting in 2007, while in kindergarten, as a Lion Cub with Pack 111. He earned his Arrow of Light in 2013.
Schmude has served as troop quartermaster and patrol leader. He is also a member of the Order of the Arrow.
His Eagle Scout project consisted of constructing fishing line disposal receptacles for Cranberry Township at Moody’s Pond in Cranberry.
The Eagle Scout ceremony began and guests were welcomed by Scoutmaster Chris Riley. A presentation of Colors was given by the Senior Patrol and Scouts. Pastor Philip Perrotti gave an invocation.
Eagle introductions were given by Christian Miller, and candle lighting was done by Devin Dulaney and Isaiah Miller.
The Eagle Trail was presented by Chris Riley and Trevin Chittister.
Guests included state Rep. R. Lee James and county commissioners Sam Breene and Mike Dulaney.
