Derby, CT – Longtime friends and dedicated members of Troop 3 Derby, Logan Bottone and Quintin Simjouw, have achieved Scouting’s highest honor — the Eagle Scout Rank. The award was presented during a Court of Honor held at the troop’s chartering organization, the Second Congregational Church of Derby.
Logan and Quintin began their Scouting journey together in Cub Scout Pack 3 Derby at the age of six. Now, as members of the 114-year-old, 22-member Troop 3, they’ve grown through years of shared adventures, challenges, and leadership opportunities. From summer camp at Housatonic Council’s Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation in Goshen to major trips like sailing in the Florida Keys in 2021 and touring the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2023, the two have supported each other through countless campouts, advancement milestones, and community service.
Quintin Simjouw
Quintin, 17, is the son of Shannon Meseck and Jean-Paul Simjouw. Born on April 27, 2007, he is a senior at Derby High School, where he serves as Vice President of the Italian Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and National Honor Society. He has organized several fundraisers for local causes, including an upcoming scholarship benefit this spring. A student-athlete, he also captained the DHS soccer and track teams.
Quintin began Scouting in 2013 as a Tiger Cub, earned the Arrow of Light, and crossed over to Troop 3. His leadership roles in the troop have included Patrol Leader, Patrol Guide, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and currently, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. He earned 28 merit badges and has performed in numerous Scout Gang Shows.
For his Eagle Scout project, Quintin led 12 volunteers in designing and installing 22 hillside steps at the Ansonia Nature Center, stabilizing the slope and preserving a community walking trail.
After graduation, Quintin plans to attend Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, where he will major in Data Science.
Logan Bottone
Logan, 18, is the son of Denise and Joseph Bottone and has a twin sister, Lucianna, and brothers Jason (of Derby) and Vinny (of North Haven). A senior at Emmett O’Brien Technical High School, he is enrolled in the Electrical trade program and aspires to become a lineman after graduation.
A standout athlete, Logan played four years of football, serving as a team captain, and is also a member of the varsity baseball team.
Logan began Scouting in 2013 as a Tiger Cub in Pack 3, earned his Arrow of Light, and joined Troop 3. His leadership positions include Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Librarian, and Quartermaster. He has earned 34 merit badges and performed in many Scout Gang Shows.
For his Eagle Scout project, Logan organized and led the reconstruction of the community vegetable garden at the corner of 5th & Olivia Streets in Derby. The revitalized garden now provides fresh produce and herbs to local residents.
Celebrating the Journey
A 15-minute slideshow presentation by Scoutmaster Randy Ritter, showcased the Scouting journey of Logan and Quintin, highlighting their many shared experiences and enduring friendship. During the ceremony, Quintin presented Logan with a Scouting Mentor Award, crediting his friend as the reason he joined and remained in Scouting.
With their achievements, Quintin Simjouw and Logan Bottone become the 328th and 329th Eagle Scouts in Troop 3’s long and proud history, dating back to 1927, when Manuel Pearson became the troop’s first Eagle Scout.