New Eagle Scouts Honored

Three members of Boy Scout Troop 204 earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor that a Boy Scout can achieve. 

Nicholas O'Mara, Mount Sinai Class of 2013, Nicholas Gabriele, Miller Place class of 2013 and Nicholas Castelli, Miller Place Class of 2014, were recognized in January at a Court of Honor ceremony by Councilwomen Jane Bonner and Valerie M. Cartright.

Nicholas O'Mara's Eagle project involved the construction of three Chimney Swift Towers at West Meadow Beach.  These towers are structures that mimic a home's chimney and swifts (birds) will use these structures during their mating season to build their nests and care for their hatchlings.  The building of these towers will help foster the return of the swifts to our area and their increasing presence will help curb the rapidly expanding population of pesky parasitic insects on the beach, as swifts are insectivores.

Nicholas Gabriele's Eagle project involved beautification of the grounds of the historic William Miller House on North Country Road in Miller Place.  He planted two Eastern red trees and two arrow wood viburnum shrubs surrounded by a mulch bed.  In addition, he weeded and fertilized the grass on either side of the new brick pathway, as well as cutting and mulching additional beds around two existing trees.

Nicholas Castelli's Eagle project involved constructing two oak display cases honoring the military at The First Baptist Church of Patchogue.  He has volunteered his time for this church through the years, doing yard work, painting, assisting with church activities and as a helper at their vacation bible school.

In addition to the projects that each of these scouts completed, they had to earn a minimum of 21 merit badges and demonstrate leadership skills.  The Eagle Scout rank is achieved by only four percent of all Boy Scouts.