Middlefield Boy Scout Earns Eagle Scout Award

Austin Mazo of Middlefield has earned the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts of America offers to Scouts, the Eagle Scout Award. 

He was recognized for his achievement in February during a ceremony at the United Churches of Durham. As a member of the Connecticut Rivers Council, Troop 27 in Durham, Austin is one of approximately two percent of all Boy Scouts who attain the Eagle rank, according to Scoutmaster Michael Phenicie.

Each candidate must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, and successfully organize, lead and complete a community service project.

Over 165 service hours were logged in the creation of his service project at the entrance of the Coe Hill Property on School Street in Middlefield. 

“As a resident of Middlefield, I thought it was important for my project to benefit residents of my community” said Austin. The project consisted of mapping the property, creation of a kiosk and map of the area at the trail head, a brief description of the property highlights, and a parking area to facilitate access. Brush and debris were also cleared around the fire suppression pond located on the property.

He has served as patrol leader for Troop 27 on multiple occasions, and was elected to assistant senior patrol leader in September of 2009. Mr. Mazo was chosen to attend the National Youth Leadership Training through the Boy Scouts of America by his scoutmaster. He also attended the 100th National Boy Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia in 2010.

Austin is a senior at Vinal Technical High School in Middletown, Conn. specializing in Manufacturing.  He will be completing a four year apprenticeship in manufacturing at Powerhold, Inc. in Middlefield upon graduation. 

Austin recently won first place in the Connecticut state SkillsUSA competition for manufacturing, and will represent Connecticut in the National SkillsUSA competition held in Kansas City, Kansas in June. 

He enjoys camping, adventure sports, swimming, hunting and dirt biking.