Sister Charles Marie Holze had the honor of speaking at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony held at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie when Nicholas Pardini became an Eagle Scout. The awarding of the Eagle Badge, the highest and most coveted rank in scouting, is the climax of several years of hard work. To achieve this prestigious award numerous requirements must be met, one of them being a service project helpful to a religious institution, school or community.

Nick, the son of Larry and Christine [Patalita] Pardini (SBA, Class of 1969), chose Mount Saint Benedict Monastery as the place to carry out his service project. He planned, developed and completed the rebuilding of a 24 foot footbridge on the monastery property. In her remarks, Sister Charles Marie said, “From the beginning Nick undertook this project in a very organized and professional manner, planning it from start to finish and producing a bridge of which he can be most proud. The bridge is a gift to our community and guests and will be used and admired for many years to come.”

The Eagle Scout Award represents years of dedicated effort. It clearly demonstrates a scout's understanding and development of his sense of leadership, citizenship, character, and responsibility. This accomplishment was an occasion of pride and joy for Nick and his parents. He summed it up simply and with great sincerity, “My heart and soul went into building this bridge, and it is the best thing I have ever done.”

We offer our congratulations to Nick. As Sister Charles Marie expressed so well, “Thank you for choosing us, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, for your Eagle Scout Project!”