Matthew Riley (age 18, a Senior at New Canaan High School) and Luke Riley (age 15, a Sophomore at St. Luke’s School) both of New Canaan, have earned the Boy Scouts of America’s highest advancement award, the Eagle Scout Award. They were recognized in a Court of Honor ceremony on March 29, 2025. Less than 5% of Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle. Each candidate must earn 21 merit badges and successfully complete a service project to earn his Eagle. Matthew Riley chose to restore a historic meadow at the Mather Homestead including the extensive removal of invasive species, rebuilding a dilapidated stone wall and building and installing birdhouses. Luke Riley chose to create a self guided tour of the Mather Homestead including laser etched signs that were produced at the Maker’s Lab at St. Luke’s School that display QR codes as well as an audio tour.
The Mather Homestead is a Registered National Historic Landmark that was built in 1778 during the Revolutionary War and was home to six generations of Mathers, including Stephen Tyng Mather who was the first director of the National Park Service. It is located on the border of New Canaan and Darien. https://www.matherhomestead.org/
Matthew is also involved in the Service League of Boys (aka SLOBs) as the AVP Philanthropy, NCHS Volleyball, Young Philanthropists of New Canaan, Mather Homestead Teen Board, Ram Council, and the St. Aloysius Youth Ministry.
Luke is also involved in Varsity Soccer and Tennis at St. Luke’s School, Mather Homestead Teen Board, Young Philanthropists of New Canaan, FOCUS and St. Aloysius Youth Ministry.
Both are members of Troop 45 which is affiliated with St. Aloysius Church and are the sons of Rich and Michelle Riley.
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating in citizenship and develops personal fitness. For over a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through over a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible and productive society.
