The Clarkstown 7, where Eagles Soar!

Article provided by Sharon Regan Masciovecchio

The Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The designation “Eagle Scout” was founded over one hundred years ago. This year’s Clarkstown South High School graduating Class of 2017 has 7 Eagle Scouts amongst the class. They are; Marco Amendola, Michael Dubner, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Patrick Naughton, Christian Pearson, Frank Sapienza and Peter Zollinger.

Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 5 percent of all Boy Scouts do so. This represents more than 2 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1912. Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting—citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness—remain important for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks—Scout rank, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges.

These seniors, the Clarkstown 7, have each completed an Eagle Project and their 7 projects have over 2,960 volunteer hours for our community. Each project is special to the scout and needed by the beneficiary. Marco Amendola, from Troop 97, project was a restoration of Camp Shanks Museum and signage for Camp Shanks in Orangeburg. Michael Dubner, from Troop 97, created a Camp Venture Hoop House and pergola for Camp Venture in Sparkill, while Thomas Fitzpatrick, from Troop 78, built and installed a swing set also at Camp Venture in Sparkill. Patrick Naughton, from Troop 42, created a seating area at West Nyack Little League fields with picnic tables, umbrellas, landscaping and pathway lighting. Christian Pearson, from Troop 97, worked with Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack on and improvement project for the playhouse. While Frank Sapienza of Troop 97 created the Larissa Karrasik Memorial Garden with benches and a pergola. And finally, Peter Zollinger of Troop 97 created a new storage shed and installed playground benches for Germonds Church.

These are projects that the beneficiaries often state they would not have been able to do without the scouts. Well done Class of 2017!

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