Two of Chester's Finest Reach Scouting's Highest Rank

DATELINE – January 8, 2020 – Chester Troop 139 hosted an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony to honor Peter Tringali, son of Ray and Marsha Tringali, and Jared Collins, son of Scott and Carol Collins. Both Scouts were presented with BSA’s highest honor, the Eagle Scout Award on November 30th at the Highlands Barn in Chester.

To earn the award, a Scout must be active with a troop, earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, assume a position of leadership in a troop and complete a service project that benefits the community. The ceremony was attended by Chester Lions Club President Casper Meijer, Chester Borough Mayor Janet Hoven and New Jersey State Assemblywoman Aura Dunn.

Peter Tringali

Peter’s time in scouting began as a Tiger Cub, in Chester’s Cub Scout Pack 316. It was there that he progressed through Webelos, achieving the program’s highest award, the Arrow of Light. He continued his scouting journey by joining Boy Scout Troop 139 in Chester. Since that time, he participated in numerous camping outings, hiking trips, and community services projects, all of which helped him develop and grow his leadership skills. Most recently Peter held the position of Troop Instructor, teaching and mentoring younger scouts with essential life skills, all the while earning a total of 21 merit badges along the way.

For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Peter built two boardwalks on the Highlands Park Loop Trail in Chester. The boardwalks were constructed on areas of the trail that were swampy and prone to flooding. As a result of his efforts and those of his team, the community will have a safe way to enjoy the outdoors, while helping to protect the surrounding vegetation along the trail.

Peter is currently a freshman at Roger Williams University and is majoring in Construction Management. In his future endeavors, he plans to pursue a career in residential or commercial construction management. Peter is also a member of the Roger Williams University wrestling team. Peter shares that wrestling has been a big part of his life and that he always imagined wrestling at the collegiate level. Peter’s hobbies also include painting, carpentry, and snowboarding.

Jared Collins

Jared also started his scouting journey as a Cub Scout and participated in many activities that led him to continue through Boy Scouts. In Troop 139 he enjoyed camping, hiking, bonfires, wilderness survival and high adventure. However, it was his focus on community service, and developing his leadership skills that became most important to him and that offered him a code to live his life by. During his time in the troop, he achieved a total of 21 merit badges.

For his service project, Jared and his volunteers built a multi-panel kiosk at Chubb Park in Chester. His goal was to provide a kiosk so that visitors can easily navigate the extensive grounds and learn more about the history and amenities of the park. The kiosk also informs guests about local wildlife, how to properly preserve the park and provides a list of events that are held throughout the year. Beyond being aesthetically pleasing, the kiosk will greatly enhance people’s time at the park.

Jared Collins is currently a freshman at the University of Miami and was selected for the Foote Fellows Honors Program. He is double majoring in political science and business law with a minor in history. Jared has always balanced his academic achievement with hobbies that would allow him to grow personally. During his time at West Morris Mendham High School he participated on the golf, tennis, and basketball teams, as well as refereeing, and coaching.

About Boy Scout Troop 139

Troop 139 has been active in the Chester community for over 50 years and meets every Monday at 7:30 pm at the Community Presbyterian Church in Chester, New Jersey. The goal of Troop 139 is to provide the tools and opportunities for the boys in our community to learn how to become the leaders of tomorrow, all while having fun today. New members are welcome.