David Belknap (r) and Michael Volta Jr. with Rochester Mayor Tom Richards. Provided photoTogether, David Belknap and Michael Volta, Jr. at age 7 started down a path of personal development beginning with the Cub Scouts that has led them through the threshold of success while forging a lasting friendship.
Both advanced through the ranks of Boy Scout Troop 53 to achieve the highest rank of Eagle Scout. They shared in being congratulated at the 61st Annual Mentor Dinner and Gathering of Eagles on January 12 which included Rochester Mayor Thomas Richards, a Distinguished Eagle Scout. Belknap and Volta will join in celebrating their Eagle Scout distinction at their Court of Honor on February 4 which will be held at St. Christopher’s Church in North Chili.
Belknap and Volta also completed their Eagle Scout project at the same location, St. Christopher’s Church.
Belknap removed and replaced a concrete handicap ramp to help make the church accessible to people of all ages, needs and abilities. Volta created his own “field of dreams” by removing and replacing the backstop and benches at the church softball field.
Belknap and Volta encourage other youth to take a hard look at the Eagle Scout distinction. They say that the personal challenges and rewards are great and it’s an achievement that is universally recognized that can never be taken away.
And the Belknap – Volta trail of success marches on. Both are looking at a long list of post-high school options and one thing is for sure: “Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle” and these two young men from Rochester can always look back with pride on what they have accomplished.
