Father Christopher Burke and the Dirda family, Shawn Sr., Jennifer, Shawn, Jr., Josh and Lois (grandmother).
Shawn Anthony Dirda Jr. received the Eagle Scout Rank in the presence of 90 relatives and friends in a dignified ceremony June 9 at St. Nicholas in Brownsville, Pa. An honor guard procession of scouts from Pack #635, which included his brother Josh, began and ended this solemn ceremony.
To receive this highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America, a young man must fulfill certain requirements within a time limit. Shawn chose to beautify the outside of his parish. He chose a section of the surrounding area outside of the church, repaired and landscaped it, turning it into a “Prayer Garden.” He also repaired the cement steps leading into the church building.
Shawn is the fourth generation of his branch of the Dirda family to belong to St. Nicholas and felt a need to “give back” to the church of his family. This is what scouting is all about for him. In his closing remarks, the Fly like an Eagle by Bernie Karoffa St. Nicholas, Brownsville, Pa. former pastor, Father Jerome Botsko, remembered baptizing
Shawn and commented on the dedication of Shawn and his family in helping the church with various events.
Shawn started his journey as a Scout in Pack #654 with his grandmother, Lois Dirda, as the Pack Chairman He follows in the footsteps of his own father, uncles Andrew and Vic Dirda, and cousin Drew Dirda, who are also Eagle Scouts. Shawn is a 2019 graduate of Albert Gallatin High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Drama Club, Band and the Young Astronauts Club. He was also a member of the VFW Post #8543 Band. He plans to attend Seton Hill University this fall and has enlisted in the Marines. He, his parents, Shawn Sr. and Jennifer, and brother, Josh, are members of St. Nicholas, where Father Christopher Burke is pastor.
Best wishes to Shawn in the future!
