Recognizing a sole Scout at a Troop’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor is a distinct feat. When Troop 125 in Commack was able to recognize six Eagles, Scouting’s highest rank, it was worthy of highest honors.
“A lot of work and commitment goes in to attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, and this past year presented more challenges due to COVID-19. However, these six scouts persevered and accomplished their goal of rising to the rank of Eagle Scout,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.
“I am very proud of these young men and hope that they will be an inspiration to the younger scouts and continue to serve their community,” he added.
Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is not easy, which explains why only four percent of those who join Scouting attain this rank. The rank of Eagle may only be earned by a Scout who has been a Life Scout, the preceding rank for at least six months, has earned a minimum of 21 diverse merit badges (ten more than for Life and a set of 13 specific badges, including First Aid, Cooking, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Emergency Preparedness or Lifesaving, and Personal Management.)
Further, the Scout must have demonstrated Scout Spirit, and demonstrated leadership within their troop, crew or ship, and have completed a leadership community service project.
“It was truly my honor to attend this special ceremony to celebrate the achievements of these fine young men,” stated Senator Mario R. Mattera. “I thank them and Troop 125 for inviting me to participate in this special day. This is a tremendous accomplishment, which took years of dedication, and I congratulate them, their parents and their mentors,” added the Senator.
Assemblyman Michael J. Fitzpatrick praised the new Eagles and their Court of Honor.
“These Scouts are examples of the best of our youth. Achieving Scouting’s highest rank demonstrates not only extraordinary dedication and commitment, but true leadership,” he said. “Completing their projects amidst the pandemic is noteworthy. A silver lining to the current restrictions was holding their ceremony outdoors in one of our beautiful parks. I hope the outdoor Court of Honors are continued and look forward to more,” said Fitzpatrick.
Eagle Projects
Each of the six Scouts received the rank of Eagle Scout on June 5 after completing their unique projects.
Michael Chacon took fourth grade students to the Eatons Neck Coast Guard Station and taught them about marine wildlife. He had trained a group of volunteers who helped him in teaching the children how to fish. In addition to learning about marine life, each student received a new fishing rod and tackle box. Michael plans to study Marine Science in college.
Anthony Citera completed his project at the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown. He built three planters for the Center’s Sensory Garden to enable the impaired to learn about each sense in a new environment.
Ryan Condell built a 12-foot long bridge spanning a creek on the Long Island Greenbelt Trail north of the Smithtown Landing Country Club. The bridge is structurally sound with railings, and has a half inch gap between the boards to allow the water to run off and not freeze on the bridge.
Luke Maciejewski renovated an outdoor reading area at the Burr Intermediate School by refurbishing the brick patio and building eight new benches.
David Mastroianni designed and constructed a tool shed for the ELIJA Farm, a non-profit CSA farm in Huntington Station. The addition of this shed will make it more convenient for the farmers to tend the gardens.
Michael Van Loon built six planting beds to grow produce at Farmingdale University for Long Island Harvest, a non-profit food bank serving the Long Islander community. This project doubled the size of the existing garden beds.
