Kaushik Mukkavilli of Livingston Boy Scout Troop 12 earned his Eagle Scout rank, and his Eagle Court of Honor was held February 5, at the Livingston Senior/Community Center.Mukkavilli began his Scouting journey when he was in fourth grade in 2015, joining Livingston Pack 16’s Webelos Den 2. Kaushik earned his Webelos rank in February, 2016 and progressed through the Arrow of Light rank, which he achieved in March of 2017.Mukkavilli bridged over to Troop 12 to continue as Boy Scout. After he earned his rank of First Class in June, 2018, his leadership position was that of an instructor. He served as a Patrol Leader for four terms. During his years as Patrol Leader, he took care of his patrol members and worked toward advancing in his ranks.Mukkavilli has earned a total of 26 merit badges. Memorable camp-outs and events for him include rafting, canoeing down the Delaware River, cabin camping, walking the Gettysburg Trails, and visiting the Tomb of the Unknown soldier in Washington, D.C.He was presented with the Robert Henry Carl Memorial Award and spent one week at the National Youth Leadership Training course at Camp Turrell in August, 2021. He also earned the World Conservation Award in June 2020. For his committed community service, he received the John Pollack Award which is presented to Scouts “demonstrating outstanding citizenship skills in the community, nation and or world.”Mukkavilli achieved his Brotherhood in the Order of Arrow this past September. He is currently working toward achieving the Order’s highest rank, “Vigil.”He is currently serving as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader for Boy Scout Troop 12.Eagle ProjectThe pandemic moved Mukkavilli deeply. “As you know, COVID-19 has ravaged our country and brought our beloved America to its knees. Our heroes on the front lines of this pandemic work overtime and go above and beyond the call of duty,” he explains. “I desperately wanted to do something to help in any way I could, in fulfillment of my Boy Scout oath, ‘…to do my duty to God and my country… to help other people at all times…’ ” Mukkavilli contacted CoopermanMukkavilli contacted Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (then Saint Barnabas Medical Center) to learn what he could do. As a result, his Eagle project was assembling “Heroes’ Care Packages.” He collected snack foods and assembled them into care packages for the Emergency Department staff. He also collected specialized snack items for dialysis patients with special ...
