It was a very special morning for the Malinowski family of Cinnaminson on Aug. 17, as more than 120 people gathered to celebrate twin brothers Ryan and Cole becoming the 83rd and 84th Eagle Scouts from Troop 9 in Palmyra.
“We are very proud of both of our twin sons for having completed their Eagle projects within months of each other,” said their parents, Bill and Donna Malinowski, who invited family, neighbors and friends to join in the Eagle Scout Court of Honor celebration at Bethany Lutheran Church.
“They supported and nudged each other through camp, badges, service hours and projects,” they added. “In one household, this is no small accomplishment, but they persevered and our family is better for the journey they’ve completed.”
“This is a big day, an occasion of pride and joy,” noted Scoutmaster Ted Beddall, who officiated the ceremony and administered the oath as Ryan and Cole officially became Eagle Scouts.
Beddall started off by reciting one by one the 12 principles in the Scout Law the twins pledged to follow: A Boy Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. After each pledge, one of 12 candles was lit by a fellow Scout.
“Becoming an Eagle Scout is a steep trail from Tenderfoot, to second class, to first class, to Star, to Life, to Eagle,” the scoutmaster observed. “Only 4% reach Eagle, which requires 21 merit badges and an Eagle project. Ryan earned 27 merit badges and Cole earned 28.”
The twins started their Scouting careers as as 6-year-old Tiger Cubs and both have been involved in Cinnaminson Pack 59 and Palmyra Troop 9 in the last 12 years, according to Donna. Ryan has served as assistant patrol leader, scribe and quartermaster. Cole has been den chief, assistant senior patrol leader, assistant patrol leader and recruiter.
“Ryan’s Eagle Project was making an outdoor classroom at New Albany School in Cinnaminson,” his mother explained. “He recalled the times when he felt it would be beneficial for students to have an alternative classroom for learning, especially on nice weather days.”
“I loved New Albany School as a student and wanted to support them when it was time for the project,” recalled Ryan, a Cinnaminson High senior who plays the cello in the school’s strings orchestra and has run cross country and track. “Family, friends and Troop 9 Scouts helped in the construction, and it is in use now.
“I have enjoyed Boy Scout camp, hikes and random late-night talks about faith in our Lord,” he added of his time in Scouting. “I plan on joining the Air Force, and then as a civilian, going to flight school and becoming a pilot.”
As for Cole’s Eagle Project, “He wanted to create an outdoor prayer garden that he saw a need for during the months of COVID closures,” Donna pointed out. “Cole designed an outdoor path on the church grounds at Resurrection Parish in Delran that enables the faithful to have a place to pray when the church building may be closed.”
“The Stations of the Cross path was the clear choice for my Eagle project,” Cole noted. “I have always felt the desire to give back to my church that has helped me in tremendous ways. I am lucky to say I had over 30 volunteers from my troop and parish who helped make my vision a reality.
“The completed project has been a great spot for outdoor worship through the different seasons of the year,” he added, acknowledging that his highlights from Scouting “include all of the enjoyable activities at summer camp with good friends, providing leadership in Troop 9 and seeing the troop community grow and be successful.”
As for his future, “I would like to continue holding strong academic standing through my senior year at the Burlington County Institute of Technology,” Cole said, “continue my career in the trades and become as knowledgeable as I can be.”
During the Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony the twins got a surprise: Their uncles David and Phil Kasperowicz presented them with a proclamation from the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus for becoming Eagle Scouts. And matriarch and grandmother Theresa Kasperowicz led the loud applause when her grandsons each received their Eagle neckerchief and slide.
