Standing under a ballon arch built by an Eagle parent are Leo Brownstein, right; Dylan Seawards; Telford Work, the original scoutmaster for all the Eagle Scouts and now assistant scoutmaster; Noah Slotnick-Lastrico; and William Covington. (Courtesy photo)
Standing under a ballon arch built by an Eagle parent are Leo Brownstein, right; Dylan Seawards; Telford Work, the original scoutmaster for all the Eagle Scouts and now assistant scoutmaster; Noah Slotnick-Lastrico; and William Covington. (Courtesy photo)

In a rare event, four scouts all from Troop 33 Montecito were awarded their Eagle ranks at the same time at Eagle Court of Honor – American Legion Post 49, March 1.

“This Court of Honor is special and unique. Nationally, only 6% of all Scouts achieve Scouting America’s highest rank – Eagle,” officials said.

The new Eagle scouts are Dylan Seawards and Noah Slotnick-Lastrico, both seniors at San Marcos High School; Leo Brownstein, a senior at Santa Barbara High School; and William Covington, a freshman at Westmont College.

Brownstein’s Eagle Project has been nominated by Los Padres Council as its 2025 Eagle Project of the Year and will be considered for regional and possibly national recognition.

Since the founding of Troop 33 in 1935, 81 Eagle Scout ranks have been awarded.

“I’m incredibly proud of the hard work each of these Eagle Scouts put into their projects,” said Scoutmaster Nathan Camp.

“Scouting is such a unique program for youth development,” he said. “It gives our young people a chance to learn and develop communication, leadership, coaching, and teamwork, usually while exploring our backcountry on incredible trips.

“Each of these Scouts used every one of these skills as they worked on their projects for the benefit of many different organizations in our community.”
 
Families with a boy or girl ages 11 or older that would like to learn more about Troop 33, can call Camp, 808-450-2785 or visit the troop 4-5 p.m. most Sundays at Upper Manning Park in the Youth Building.

American Legion Post 49 is dedicated to serving veterans, their families, and the community. Members gather regularly to support one another, share experiences, and engage in activities that honor their military heritage.

Through community service, advocacy, and camaraderie, they strive to make a positive impact on the veterans’ lives.

Post 49 became the chartering organization for Troop 33 in 2022. Scouts collaborate in Legion initiatives like Wreaths Across America, Boys and Girls State Leadership Program, the Wednesday Veterans’ Breakfast, annual Veterans Day, Memorial Day, July Fourth and Fiesta events, and functions like color guards and flag ceremonies. 

Post 49 is currently working to create a Sea Scout program with a Scout ship that will provide opportunities for 13-21-year-olds to learn sailing, navigation and diving skills.

“Veterans and Scouts working together just makes sense,” said Cmdr. Patrick Murphy. “With the focus on service, leadership and appreciation, we can show them how to make the world better for all of us.”

American Legion Post 49 is housed in the Veterans’ Memorial Building at 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara; phone 805-965-7109.

The Troop 33 Eagle Scouts offer the following reflections on their scouting journey:

Leo Brownstein:

I began Scouting in fourth-grade and joined Troop 33 in 2019. What I have appreciated most are the mentors I’ve found through Scouting.

My Eagle Project was for American Legion Post 49 and involved community events on proper U.S. Flag Retirement and Etiquette. I am honored that my project has been selected as the Service Project of the Year for the Los Padres Council.

When I reflect on it, I realize how much I learned about creating and working as part of a team. With support from so many unexpected sources, I learned a lot about what it takes to be a leader. Next year I will be heading to college in Washington state.

Dylan Seawards:

I started as a Cub Scout in Pack 11 at age 5. I stuck with it because of my friends and the Pinewood Derby.

In Troop 33, completing my first Sierra “50-miler” as a chubby 13-year-old taught me nothing is impossible. This helped me later sail my tiny boat in 30-knot winds, climb treacherous rocks, bike down steep mountains, and construct a giant kiosk for the Ennisbrook Trail for the Montecito Trail Foundation as my Eagle Project.

Scouts ignited a spark for adventure that will always stick with me. I am headed to Roger Williams University this fall to study mechanical engineering.

Noah Slotnick-Lastrico:

My journey to Eagle started as a Bobcat in Pack 11, all the way back when I was six. I fell in love with the outdoors, which led to one of the most rewarding and adventurous experiences of my life, completing a (literally) breathtaking five-day-trek through the Sierra Nevada.

Scouting has taught me to not be afraid to get my hands dirty to make a difference. This led me to create a natural, cob mosaic bench as my Eagle Project for my old school, Washington Elementary.

Next year, I plan to study biology to pursue a career as a physician, to serve others in the meaningful way that Scouting has taught me to do.

William Covington:

I joined Troop 33 in January 2019, initially drawn in by friends in the troop as well as backpacking trips. I loved the time with other scouts, adventuring in the outdoors, gaining new skills through hands-on experience, and learning to work together as a group. Some of my favorite trips were to Death Valley, the Sierra trip, and Joshua Tree.

My Eagle Project involved installing terraced steps onto a section of the Paul Willis Trail (Westmont College), making it safer for the many people who regularly enjoy hiking it. I currently attend Westmont College where I run for the cross country and track teams.