The Shepherd of the Valley United Methodist Church was the setting of a recent Eagle Scout Court of Honor for new Eagles James M. Vartanian, 18, and Marc D. Vierra, 17, of Troop 8 Cranston.

Vartanian and Vierra have journeyed through Scouting together since the first grade, and with few exceptions earned the same merit badges. Each has also held various leadership positions within the troop. They both are students at Cranston High School West.

Vartanian’s service project was a blood and clothing drive. The Rhode Island Blood Center collected a record 90 pints of blood, which was particularly pleasing to James as he chose this organization because of his late mother’s need for blood transfusions during her illness. A mountain of clothing was collected to benefit the McAuley House Ministries.

For his service project, Vierra designed and constructed a stage for Camp Ruggles, a non-profit summer day camp for children ages six to 12 with clinically diagnosed emotional and behavioral disabilities. The stage is outside and used by the children to perform skits and plays, and is a focal point for ceremonies and award presentations. As camping is one of Marc’s favorite scouting activities, and it was important for him to complete a project that would help other children enjoy this experience.

Both Vartanian and Vierra were surrounded by their families and friends at the ceremony, as well as a host of dignitaries, which included state Sen. Hannah Gallo, School Committee nember Trent Colford and Mayor Allan Fung, who has known the young men since they were Tiger Cubs.

James is the oldest son of Jim and Judy Vartanian, and Marc is youngest child of Carole and Gary Vierra, all of Cranston.