By: Scott P Smith

Chester Troop 139 hosted an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony to recognize Nickolas Constantino, son of Ken and Marta Constantino and Tyler Ziesse, son of Ray and Michelle Ziesse. Both Scouts, were presented with BSA’s highest honor, the Eagle Scout Award. To earn the award, a Scout must be active with a troop, earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, assume a position of leadership in a troop and complete a service project that benefits the community. New Jersey State Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, Chester Borough Mayor Janet Hoven, Chester Township Mayor Marcia Asdal, Washington Township Vice Mayor Bill Roehrich and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon all attended the ceremony and presented the boys with commendations.

As a member of Troop 139, Nickolas Constantino held many leadership positions including Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader and Troop Historian. Outside of the troop he served in leadership roles for both the National Youth Leadership training program this past summer and in his church’s peer ministry. In total Nickolas earned 21 merit badges. During his time as a Scout, Nickolas participated in many high adventure activities. He hiked and canoed the mountains and lakes of Northern Maine and Sabattis adventure camp in upstate New York, as well as backpacked the southern Rockies of New Mexico at Philmont Scout Ranch. 

For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Nickolas led a number of renovations to the Long Valley Dog Park. These improvements included the grading of a path and the addition of new steps leading up to the park’s entrance. In addition, he installed self-closing hinges and passcode locks to the park gates. These enhancements will improve the safety and security of local residents and their dogs who use this facility. 

Nickolas is a senior at West Morris Central High School and plans to go to college in the fall, studying agriculture and economics. Outside of scouting, Nickolas can be found fencing, keeping up with the latest trends in the automotive industry and enjoying music. 

Tyler Ziesse has been active in Troop 139 for many years serving as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide and Patrol Leader, earning 21 merit badges along the way. Scouting has provided Tyler with many wonderful memories, from his days as a Cub Scout racing Pinewood Derby cars, to his most recent high adventure trip to the Rockies, during which he and a number of his fellow scouts hiked Mount Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado.

Tyler’s Eagle Scout Service Project, involved the planning, organization and planting of many bushes to create a hedge row barrier between the Black River athletic fields and Route 513 in Chester. This barrier prevents distraction from passing drivers, reduces snow drifts onto the roadway during the winter months and guides cars to the intended entrance and exit. Tyler’s efforts will help ensure the safety of those using this very busy facility.

Tyler is a senior at West Morris Mendham High School and plans to pursue an engineering degree next fall. In addition to scouts, Tyler is a member of his school’s varsity fencing team and is a third-degree black belt in Okinawan Karate.