ALPHARETTA—Mark Rowell of Marietta, and Robert J. Riordan of Alpharetta, received scholarships from the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) for contributions to their communities, schools, churches and Scouting. 

Mark Rowell

Mark Rowell, a member of Troop 8 in the Atlanta Council, was awarded the Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Scout Scholarship.  

Rowell is involved with parish life at St. Peter Chanel Church. He earned multiple religious emblems offered by NCCS, served as an altar server, and participated in Knights of Columbus projects. He volunteered with organizations like St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and the Roswell Pregnancy Crisis Center. He has also been an usher, lector and youth group leader, taught religious education lessons and served as a Vacation Bible School teacher. In 2023, he was named as the Outstanding Teen Volunteer for the parish.  

For his Eagle Scout project Rowell restored the historic Marietta City Cemetery gazebo. The 60-year-old gazebo was pressure washed and prepped before painting. Nearby walkways, steps and the interior floor were also cleaned, and the metal benches were refurbished. The area now provides a welcoming area for visitors. 

Bobby Riordan

Robert J. Riordan, a member of BSA Troop 287, received the Bill and Kay Davies Scholarship. At St. Ann’s Church, he was a member of his parish Life Teen Youth Group and attended retreats at Life Teen Camp Cove Crest. At the parish, he assisted with bingo games for people with disabilities and he also participated in two mission trips with Catholic HEART Work Camp. Riordan earned the Ad Altare Dei religious emblem.  

For his project, Riordan replaced a dilapidated wooden boardwalk in the Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area with a 16-foot-long wooden bridge. It allows visitors to cross over the stream and wetlands that would otherwise be impassable when water is high. 

Both young men excelled at Blessed Trinity High School and plan to attend Mercer University in the fall. The NCCS awards came with $2,000 scholarships.