Venturer Brooke Salvatore from St. Aidan's parish joins fellow Pope Pius XII Emblem recipients from Troop 243, Robert Adams and Rev. Thomas M. Coogan following the awards ceremony. Seven scouts from Troop 243 were among thirty six scouts from Nassau and Suffolk counties who were awarded the Pope Pius XII Emblem during a ceremony on September 17 at St. Agnes Cathedral. The Most Reverend John C. Dunne, Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, presided over the ceremony. The Pius XII emblem is one of four Roman Catholic Religious Emblems that were awarded to nearly 150 scouts and scout leaders at the Diocese's Forty-Ninth Annual Boy Scout Convocation.

The Pius XII Emblem is awarded to scouts and members of Venture crews of high school age who complete, among other things, a twelve week course offered through the scouting program. The emblem "reflects the ideal of youth's growing concern with the world of God as well as the world of humanity";' the emblem was developed in recognition of the need for Catholic lay leaders in the Church and community affairs. The scouts used discussion groups to explore life choices regarding careers, relationships and ministry. At the end of the program each scout had to present a modern day issue facing the church for discussion. A weekend retreat with scouts from throughout Long Island was also part of the program. The scouts, Jack Gamber, Michael Gamber, Thomas Leone, Timothy Leone, Frank Billanti, Brian Way, and David Lopez, were assisted by Robert Adams, former scoutmaster of Troop 243; Mr. Adams remains a principal driving force behind the successful scouting program sponsored by St. Joseph's R.C. Church. Mr. Adams himself was one of two recipients of the St. George Emblem, a prestigious award presented to individuals who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in Scouting. The St. George Emblem is one of several awards recently bestowed on Mr. Adams for his tireless support of scouting.

Scout David Lopez approaches Bishop Dunne to receive his emblem. The religious medals represent merely one aspect of the scouting program. Leadership skills, community service, outdoor activities and other offerings are all components of the scouting experience.

Michael Gamber and family with Bishop Dunne. Troop 243 is an active program and is open to boys of all faiths. (Programs and awards for all religious denominations are available through the Boy Scouts of America.) Meetings are held on Sundays at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. All are welcome.

Robert Adams receiving the St. George Emblem. Scout Brian Way receiving his Pius XII emblem from Bishop Dunne. The Leone brothers and Bishop Dunne