West Hartford Resident Earns Eagle Scout Designation, Record Number of Merit Badges
Audio By Carbonatix
Oliver Buckley, now an Eagle Scout, has earned the most merit badges of any member in Troop 146 history. Courtesy photo
Hall High School senior Oliver Buckley, a member of Troop 146, recently celebrated the completion of his Eagle Scout designation requirements.
A celebration was held for Troop 146 member Oliver Buckley, who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Courtesy photo
By Ronni Newton
West Hartford resident Oliver Buckley, a senior at Hall High School and member of Troop 146, was celebrated on Sept. 27 at West Hartford United Methodist Church for earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
Nationally just 6% of Scouts BSA members complete the rigorous process, which includes completion of a project that demonstrates leadership and organizational skills and benefits a community organization, school, or religious institution.
Not only was Buckley recognized at the ceremony for achieving the Eagle Scout rank, but he also received a “Good Citizen Citation” from the American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96.
A celebration was held for Troop 146 member Oliver Buckley, who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was also the recipient of a Good Citizen Citation from the American Legion. Courtesy photo
For his Eagle project, he conducted a tree and shrub planting project at Auerfarm in Bloomfield – supervising and participating in the procurement and planting of 50 trees and shrubs at the 120-acre farm.
During his years in scouting, Buckley has completed 80 merit badges which according to Scoutmaster Ron Ward is the most ever earned by any Troop 146 member. He has also been awarded four Bronze Palms, three Silver Palms, and three Gold Palms, and was elected to the Order of the Arrow, Ward said.
A celebration was held for Troop 146 member Oliver Buckley, who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Courtesy photo
Ward shared a summary of Buckley’s extensive involvement in scouting activities. “Over the years he has served as Librarian, Patrol Leader, Instructor, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Early on he also served as a Den Chief for a Cub Pack. Oliver has been a very active participant in our outdoor program to include summer camps, ski trips, and many of our Mt. Monadnock hiking and camping weekends in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. Oliver was a crew member on our 2023 Seabase high adventure trip to the Bahamas and in 2025 he joined with a crew from Troop 44 who went to Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, New Mexico for a 12 day backpacking trek,” Ward said.
A celebration was held for Troop 146 member Oliver Buckley, who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Courtesy photo
Buckley has also found time for school and community activities. At Hall, he has participated in the track and cross country teams, plays alto saxophone in the band, and is a member of the Key Club.
According to Ward, United Methodist Church, Buckley is a member of the United Methodist Army Youth Group, which “combines Bible study with service activities to benefit the elderly and families in need.”
A celebration was held for Troop 146 member Oliver Buckley, who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Courtesy photo
This past summer he was employed at JNW – June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation in Ashford, CT – as the athletic director and biking and golfing Director. Currently he also works part time at Artisan Restaurant in West Hartford.
Buckley plans to join the Connecticut Army National Guard after graduating from Hall in June 2027, and attend college in the future.
A celebration was held for Troop 146 member Oliver Buckley, who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Courtesy photo
A celebration was held for Troop 146 member Oliver Buckley, who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Courtesy photo
A celebration was held for Troop 146 member Oliver Buckley, who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Courtesy photo
A celebration was held for Troop 146 member Oliver Buckley, who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Courtesy photo
A celebration was held for Troop 146 member Oliver Buckley, who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Courtesy photo
A celebration was held for Troop 146 member Oliver Buckley, who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Courtesy photo
Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.
