Few milestones are as meaningful as earning the rank of Eagle Scout — and the de Wit family of Livonia recently celebrated two at once.
Rian and Audrey de Wit were honored during a special Eagle Scout Court of Honor held at Ricky Greene Memorial Park in Conesus. State Senator Pam Helming, Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey, and Conesus Town Supervisor Don Wester attended the ceremony to present official New York State proclamations recognizing the siblings’ achievements.
While Rian earned his Eagle rank last year, he chose to wait so he and his sister could celebrate together. Both are students at Rochester Institute of Technology.
The de Wit family’s Scouting connection spans three generations — their grandfather, Ronald de Wit, earned his Eagle rank in the 1950s. During the ceremony, the siblings stood beside their grandfather, symbolizing a 70-year legacy of Scouting in the family.
“This is more than a Scouting milestone — it’s a moment that reflects the strength of family, service, and tradition,” Senator Helming said. “Their story serves as a beautiful reminder of how Scouting creates not just leaders, but legacies.”
Audrey’s accomplishment also marks a milestone in local Scouting history. She is only the second young woman in her troop — Troop 5074, one of the first all-girl troops in the county — to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
Both siblings completed community service projects as part of their Eagle requirements. Rian built and installed benches at the Railroad Museum in Rush, while Audrey partnered with the Town of Conesus to make safety and accessibility improvements at Ricky Greene Memorial Park.
Senator Helming also thanked Scoutmasters Paul Gates of Troop 4074 and Katie Marr of Troop 5074 for their leadership and support.
“The de Wit siblings are proof that the values we instill in our youth — service, leadership, and perseverance — truly matter,” Helming said. “Our community is stronger because of young people like them.”
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
