Michael Brennan, of Cranbury, was awarded his Eagle Scout medal at a Court of Honor Jan. 15 at the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury. Cranbury Boy Scout Troop 52 Scoutmaster George Conley and former Scoutmaster John Kirkenir led the ceremony, which celebrated both the Eagle Scout tradition and Mr. Brennan’s individual path to it. State Senator Linda Greenstein (D-14) also attended and presented Brennan with a Joint Legislative Resolution from the State Senate and
General Assembly commending him for his outstanding record of service, leadership and accomplishment.

For his Eagle Scout Project, Brennan built a two-lane, 100-meter cinder track for The Cranbury School. As a former student there and a member of its track team, Brennan recognized the need for a safe practice surface and resolved to do something about it. He presented his concept to the Cranbury Board of Education in January 2009, and the board enthusiastically supported his project.

In order to raise the funds for the construction of the track, Brennan hosted a 5K run in Cranbury in August 2009, raising over $5,000. His entire project, including the fundraiser and construction, required supervision of over 360 volunteer hours, and was completed in time for the school’s 2010 spring track season.

Within his family, Brennan is a third generation Eagle Scout, joining his father, Frank J. Brennan III, of Cranbury; three uncles, Patrick S. Brennan, of Cream Ridge, Kevin R. Brennan, of Westwood and Timothy M. Brennan, of Cranbury; and his grandfather, Frank J. Brennan Jr., of Cranbury. According to the Central New Jersey Council of the Boy Scouts of America, only 4 percent of the young men that enter scouting achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. The Court of Honor incorporated the Brennan family scouting tradition into the program, with each of the family Eagle Scouts performing key roles in the ceremony.

Michael is currently a freshman at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where he is studying English and Studio Art.