Scouting: Islanders receive religious awards

Grand Island Scouts attended the 42nd annual Religious Awards Ceremony on March 19 at St. Joseph Cathedral, held by the Buffalo Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting (Youth and Young Adult Ministry [Diocese of Buffalo]).

Girl Scout Emily Cohen, a cadet from Girl Scout Troop 30144 on the Island, received the Mary, the First Disciple medal at the ceremony. She was the only Girl Scout to earn this award in the area, district and county.

The Mary, the First Disciple program assists Catholic youth of organizations serving girls to learn more about Mary and themselves through a study of Mary's life. Cohen received the award from Most Rev. Richard J. Malone, Bishop of Buffalo.

Several Boy Scouts from all over Western New York and from the Island's Troop 630 received awards as well.

Ad Altare Dei is a program that assists Catholic youth members of the Boy Scouts of America to develop a fully Christian way of life in a faith community by studying the seven sacraments. Nicolas Bauman and Jonathan Minton received this award.

The Pope Pius XII program assists Catholic youth members of the Boy Scouts of America to develop a fully Christian way of life in a faith community through an understanding of their primary vocation of giving witness to the Gospel of Christ. Cade Mongielo, Joseph Peters, and Patrick Stouter received this award.

The Bishop's Scouting Award is presented to Scouts who complete all four religious emblems programs (Boy Scouts: Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, Ad Altare, and Pope Pius XII). Stouter received this award.

In the group picture, from left: Jonathan Minton, Emily Cohen, Father Sam Venne of St. Stephen R.C. Church, Cade Mongielo, Joseph Peters, Patrick Stouter, and Lucian Bodkin.