WEST ORANGE, NJ — Eagle Scout Peyton Smith, a West Orange High School alumnus of the Class of 2017, will be heading to Syracuse University with the prestigious Kiefer Scholarship, given by the Boy Scouts of America, Northeast Region.
“The Northeast Region Boy Scouts of America is the recipient of income from a memorial trust formed by the estate of Ida Kiefer,” Northeast Regional Director John Mosby said in a press release. “In keeping with her wishes that this special memorial fund be used to provide educational scholarships to worthy members of the Boy Scouts of America, the Northeast Region Scholarship Committee made these awards for 2017.”
Smith was excited to receive the award in the amount of $1,500.
“This scholarship is especially important to me because I have been involved in scouting since I was in first grade and I have had many great memories over the last 12 years,” he said.
Smith received his Eagle Scout badge on March 31, 2015, but his impact has already been felt at WOHS and all over the West Orange community. He attended Write On Sports workshops, studied journalism at the high school and participated on the WOHS News Broadcast as well as the Mountaineer Media Team. His articles have already been published in high school publications while serving as The Pioneer editor, the West Orange School District’s website and local press. He was also president of the Chinese Honor Society and a member of several other honor societies. He has logged many hours of community service time as well.
Smith plans to major in broadcast and digital journalism at Syracuse University and wants to work as a sportswriter and/or sports broadcaster.
“Society needs well-educated youth and young adults to ensure that the world is better for future generations,” Smith said. “Since its establishment, the Boy Scouts of America has been committed to educating boys and teaching them how to become better men. I am certain that without this great organization, I would not be who I am today. A college education is also crucial for building tomorrow’s leaders. The high cost of college is a significant challenge, and receiving this award reaffirms scouting’s commitment towards making education accessible.”
According to Mosby, Smith certainly earned the scholarship.
“Congratulations on your excellent scouting record and your excellent progress,” Mosby said. “Please know that the committee is proud of your accomplishments and wishes you all the best as you complete your education and prepare for the future.”
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