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Norwalk Teen Follows Family Tradition, Earns Eagle Scout Honor

NORWALK, Conn. -- An Eagle Court of Honor was held recently to recognize the achievement of Michael Dorrico Jr. of Troop 19 in Norwalk. 

From left, Michael Dorrico Sr., Barbara Dorrico and Michael Dorrico Jr. of Troop 19, who received his Eagle badge Thursday at a Court of Honor at Norwalk United Methodist Church.

From left, Michael Dorrico Sr., Barbara Dorrico and Michael Dorrico Jr. of Troop 19, who received his Eagle badge Thursday at a Court of Honor at Norwalk United Methodist Church.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Thane Grauel
From left, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, DeeAnn Dorrico, Michael Dorrico Sr. and Michael Dorrico Jr. The mayor, who as a boy was a member of Troop 19, presented a congratulatory certificate.

From left, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, DeeAnn Dorrico, Michael Dorrico Sr. and Michael Dorrico Jr. The mayor, who as a boy was a member of Troop 19, presented a congratulatory certificate.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Thane Grauel
From left, Michael Dorrico Jr., Michael Dorrico Sr. and DeeAnn Dorrico. Michael’s father pinned the Eagle badge to his son’s uniform as Michael’s mother watched.

From left, Michael Dorrico Jr., Michael Dorrico Sr. and DeeAnn Dorrico. Michael’s father pinned the Eagle badge to his son’s uniform as Michael’s mother watched.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Thane Grauel

Michael is the latest member of his family to become an Eagle Scout. His father and an uncle also earned Scouting’s highest rank.

Michael, 18, completed his Eagle Scout project by organizing a food drive to help three local pantries. He now studies business at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven.

The ceremony was held at Norwalk United Methodist Church, which this year marks its 85th year as the troop’s charter organization. Michael Dorrico Sr., with his wife DeeAnn by his side, pinned the Eagle badge on his son.

“Six times before he has stood here,” Parent Committee Chairman Tony D’Andrea told the audience. “First, when he received his Scout badge, then, when he earned each rank leading up to Eagle. And each time he has seemed a little taller, a little stronger, a little more dedicated to the ideals of Scouting.” 

“In just a few short years, Mike has undergone a miraculous transformation,” Scoutmaster Frank Chambers said. “From someone who struggled to memorize the oath and law to someone who lives those words -- from someone who needed to be led to someone who can lead others.”

Michael Jr. told the crowd it was his father and uncle, Frank, who gave him the love of camping. The ceremony was a year to day after Frank Dorrico passed away.

“My uncle is no longer with us but I know he is proud of my accomplishment,” Michael Jr. said. “I want to continue the legacy of Scouting that my grandfather started and my father continued.” 

Michael Jr. presented his father with an Eagle Mentor Pin.

Michael’s grandmother, Barbara Dorrico, was on hand as well. She was an active Scouter for years. Her husband ran a troop in Greenwich and helped dozens of boys make Eagle Scout.

Mayor Harry Rilling, a member of Troop 19 as a boy, presented a congratulatory certificate from the city.

Another special guest was Scoutmaster Emeritus Frank Waters, who led the troop for 25 years. 

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