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Eagle Scout

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Pictured above from left to right is Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Anders Dalberg, Nicholas Comito, Aidan Elder, and Jeremy Westerlund. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

Councilwoman Jane Bonner proudly joined families, friends, and community members on May 31 to honor four outstanding young men who achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. The ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of Anders Dalberg, Nicholas Comito, Aidan Elder, and Jeremy Westerlund, each of whom completed a service project that significantly improved a local community space.

Councilwoman Bonner presented each Eagle Scout with an official proclamation from the Town of Brookhaven, recognizing their leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to the community.

“The Eagle Scout rank represents the highest level of achievement in Scouting, and these young men have truly earned it through their incredible service and commitment,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “They have made meaningful improvements in our community, and we are so proud to recognize them for their achievements.”

Anders Dalberg contributed his skills and hard work to enhance the facilities at the Warrior Ranch Foundation, an organization dedicated to the healing and well-being of veterans, first responders, and rescued horses. Anders fabricated and installed fly traps to protect the horses, built sturdy frames for hanging tarps to provide shade, and installed swing boom arms to aid in training sessions for the horses—all efforts that will help the foundation continue its important mission.

Nicholas Comito focused his project on improving the Greenway Trail in Port Jefferson – Setauket, a popular local path used by residents for walking, biking, and running. Nicholas installed reflectors along the full 3-mile trail and at all intersections to improve visibility and safety. He also poured two concrete pads in front of benches to provide easier access for individuals using wheelchairs and cleaned up trash along the trail to help preserve its natural beauty.

Aidan Elder chose to serve St. Anthony of Padua Church CYO Fields in Rocky Point, where he designed and built a new information kiosk to help visitors navigate the space. In addition, he installed new handicap parking signs to improve accessibility, refreshed and replanted old planter boxes, and restored two statues on the property—bringing renewed life and charm to the grounds.

Jeremy Westerlund completed his project at Trinity Lutheran Church, where he created a more inclusive and engaging outdoor space for the church’s nursery school. Jeremy designed and built a handicap-accessible picnic area, constructing two ADA-compliant picnic tables along with two standard ones. He also built a colorful and interactive music wall for the playground, enriching the play experience for young children of all abilities.

Councilwoman Bonner emphasized the value of encouraging leadership and community involvement in young people, and praised the scouts for their initiative and service.

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Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta congratulates Fort Salonga Eagle Scout Alexander Houslanger, Troop 75. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

On Sunday, June 8, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta attended an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Alexander Houslanger at Travis Hall, St. Joseph Church.

Alexander attained the rank of Eagle Scout by completing the required 21 merit badges in addition to another 15 merit badges, as well as his community service project. He did his service project at the Little Shelter, a local animal rescue, where he designed and built a bridge to improve access to the grounds of the shelter. Throughout the project, Alexander demonstrated his leadership skills and ability to motivate volunteers. Becoming an Eagle Scout signifies a life lived in unison with the Scout Oath and Law.

According to Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, “Alexander saw a need and addressed it. Not only is attaining the rank of Eagle Scout revered, but it also demands respect from us all. We wish him luck with his future endeavors as he no doubt strives for the highest achievements in life.”

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta presented Eagle Scout Alexander Houslanger with a
proclamation recognizing his achievement of becoming an Eagle Scout at his Court of
Honor.

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Caption: Troop 7’s new Eagle Scout, Nicholas Colao, receives a proclamation for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout from Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta. Photo courtesy Leg. Trotta's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recognized Nicholas Colao of Troop 7 for attaining the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout at his Court of Honor at the IBEW Hall on Sunday, June 8, 2025. He was joined by family, friends, fellow scouts and dignitaries.

For his Eagle Scout Community Service Project, Nicholas restored the graves of 62 veterans at the cemetery at St. James Episcopal Church. He also replaced a missing bench outside of Mills Hall at the church that was used by residents waiting for rides or needed a place to sit.

“This is a very proud moment for Nicholas, his family and friends and the other scouts. This accomplishment will be with him for the rest of his life, and I am sure he will serve as an inspiration to the younger scouts,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

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Legislator Rob Trotta presented a proclamation to Alyssa Faro at her Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

Since being sworn in as a Suffolk County Legislator in January 2015, Legislator Rob Trotta has attended numerous ceremonies where boy scouts have been recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest award in scouting. Recently, Legislator Trotta had the opportunity to attend several events recognizing female Eagle Scouts. Most recently for Alyssa Faro of Kings Park on May 30 who had attained the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 539G, which was formed in 2019.

Alyssa earned more than 21 merit badges and held various leadership positions, as well as completing her community service project where she organized and supervised a soccer clinic for Smithtown schools.

“I wouldn’t miss this event for the world. I am so proud of Alyssa for completing the requirements for becoming an Eagle Scout. It is important that she remembers that this achievement will be with her for the rest of her life,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.

 

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From left, Suffolk County Police Officer Matt Spilotros, Eagle Scout Alexander Tafone and Leg. Rob Trotta. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta attended the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Troop 539’s Alexander Jude Tafone on April 6 at Travis Hall at St. Joseph’s Church in Kings Park.

For his community service project, Alex organized a 5K Fun Run/Walk to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Approximately 150 people participated in the event and Alex was able to donate over $10,000 to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“This is a wonderful honor for Alex, and he certainly earned it. I know his parents, family, friends, troop leaders and fellow scouts must be extremely proud of him. What is so special about this award is that you obtained it while still a teenager. This recognition will stay with you for the rest of your life,” said Legislator Trotta.

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Brayden Michael Dickneider receives a proclamation for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout from Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recognized Brayden Michael Dickneider of Troop 214 for attaining the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout at his Court of Honor at the Smithtown Presbyterian Church on January 4. During the ceremony, he presented Brayden with a proclamation to acknowledge this accomplishment.

Brayden completed the requirements to be eligible to receive the rank of Eagle Scout. For his community service project, Brayden installed a new fence at the Smithtown First Presbyterian Church.

“This is a very proud moment for Brayden, his family and friends and the other scouts. This accomplishment will be with him for the rest of his life, and I am sure he will serve as an inspiration to the younger scouts,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

 

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Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, right, is pictured with Eagle Scout Michael Canonic (center) and Suffolk County Legislator candidate Frank Black. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta attended the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Michael Canonic, a junior at Kings Park High School. During his 16 years, he has had many challenges as he is deaf and learned to listen through a cochlear implant hearing aid from a young age. Although no one in Michael’s family works in the car repairbusiness, his goal is to open up his own auto body shop to repair vehicles damaged in accidents.

For his community service project, Michael designed and created an outdoor learning space located off of the library at the William T. Rogers Middle School in Kings Park.

“Becoming an Eagle Scout is a testament to your character and leadership skills and is something that you have accomplished while still a teenager. This recognition will stay with you for the rest of your life and can never be taken from you,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta. “What you have done is very impressive and we will expect great things from you in the future,” added Legislator Trotta.

 

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Danny Cappiello's Eagle Scout Project. Photo from Robert DeStefano
Massimo Olson's Eagle Scout Project. Photo from Robert DeStefano
João Ferreira's Eagle Scout project. Photo from Robert DeStefano
Ethan Matz's Eagle Scout Project. Photo from Robert DeStefano
Spencer Aron in front of his Big Adirondack Chair Eagle Scout Project with Port Jefferson-Terryville Chamber President Jennifer Dzvonar at the Train Car Park. Photo from Facebook

By Robert DeStefano

You don’t have to walk too far along the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail before you notice an Eagle Scout project. Maybe it’s a bench, or perhaps some bat houses. Look closely and you might see the modest plaque that names the Eagle who led each project.

In fact, all around us, local Scouts deliver valuable service projects benefiting various local organizations and our residents at-large. In recent months, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing several of these wonderful implementations of community service in Port Jefferson Station.

Outside Boyle Road Elementary School, João Ferreira’s Eagle Scout project created an outdoor workspace for students and local organizations that use the facility. The concrete work table is roughly 14’ x 6’, offering space large enough for an elementary class to spend time learning in an outdoor classroom. His project complements existing benches in the same space, an earlier Eagle Scout project led by Jordan Roche.

Over at Comsewogue High School, Ethan Matz organized a renovation to room 123, the Courtroom classroom. His Eagle Scout project returned the space to a style reminiscent of its décor a generation ago. Comsewogue alumni may recall the courtroom that served as the classroom for now-retired educator Mr. William Bodkin. The return to that style looks fantastic, and echoes the uniquely American history taught over the years.

At the Comsewogue Community Garden, many volunteers, including several local scouting organizations, have invested time to resurrect the garden. Their efforts have been bearing fruit for a couple of seasons now. With community volunteers regularly working the vegetation, the need for more storage space was addressed through another local Eagle Scout project. Danny Cappiello project-managed the development of a new storage shed at the back of the site. At roughly 100 sq. ft., the additional storage space invites plenty of helping hands who are growing vegetables that help feed others in our community. Volunteers helping volunteers; how wonderful is that?!

Not all Eagle projects are visible in the public, but the value they provide matters to the organizations they support. Within the courtyard at John F. Kennedy Middle School, Massimo Olson has led the charge to build composting bins. The compost from these bins will help feed Jackie’s Garden (in memory of Mrs. Jacqueline Rella, wife of late Superintendent Dr. Joseph Rella), and will provide nutrients for the work of the middle school’s Greenagers club, which recently planted several young trees near the bleachers to share the athletic fields.

Most recently, Spencer Aron unveiled his Eagle Scout Project, a big Adirondack chair painted in red, white and blue for all to enjoy, at the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce’s tree lighting event at the Train Car Park.

Failure to mention how these projects are funded would be an oversight. Scouts working on their Eagle rank are required to project-manage a community service project. That includes not only planning and building, but also fundraising. This is where our wonderful community comes in. When you make a donation or attend an Eagle Scout fundraising event such as hosted by generous local restaurants, this is where your contribution goes. It enables our local youth to execute projects that give back in our local community. It lets them know that our neighbors care and support the service they do as they grow. 

So, in thanking them for their work, we also thank you for supporting them on their Trail to Eagle: a rank only about 6% of Scouts earn, nationwide. An investment in them is an investment in a future that will undoubtedly inspire future leaders in our community!

If you’re interested in signing your child up for Scouting, please feel welcome to contact me at [email protected] and I’ll help you get connected with information and the Pack or Troop in your area.

Author Robert DeStefano is an Assistant Scoutmaster with Scouting America (BSA) Troop 354 and serves as trustee for the Comsewgoue School District Board of Education.

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Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office
On November 30, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (third from left), New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (left) and Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon (right) were guests at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for new Eagle Scout, Carrie Davis (second from left) from Troop 2019.  She is the second young lady in the troop to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
For her Eagle Scout project, Carrie built bee houses at Cedar Beach in Mt. Sinai (next to her brother Larry’s Eagle Scout project) to support local pollinators, contribute to the health of the environment and enhance the community’s natural resources. Carrie also earned 20 additional merit badges while excelling in both school and sports—a testament to her determination, leadership, and character.
“I commend Carrie for the work that she has done to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Her leadership qualities, hard work and dedication to the community set a great example for her peers to follow. I look forward to all the great things that she will accomplish in the future,” said Councilwoman Bonner.

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Youth soccer clinic at New York Avenue fields in Smithtown.
Youth soccer clinic at New York Avenue fields in Smithtown.
Youth soccer clinic at New York Avenue fields in Smithtown.
Youth soccer clinic at New York Avenue fields in Smithtown.
Youth soccer clinic at New York Avenue fields in Smithtown.
Youth soccer clinic at New York Avenue fields in Smithtown.
Youth soccer clinic at New York Avenue fields in Smithtown.
Youth soccer clinic at New York Avenue fields in Smithtown.
Youth soccer clinic at New York Avenue fields in Smithtown.

By Steven Zaitz

The Smithtown Kickers youth soccer league, in conjunction with Alyssa Faro, a sophomore at Smithtown High School West and aspiring Eagle Scout, put on a free youth soccer clinic on March 9-10 at the New York Avenue fields on the campus of the Smithtown Central School District Administrative offices. 

Over 50 children received instruction from Faro and eight of her soccer friends and teammates as the Kickers Spring season will get underway in less than two weeks. The girls ran drills on both Saturday and Sunday for three hours despite stretches of inclement weather on and off throughout the weekend.

Faro, who managed the project from inception to execution, did so as a part of her ascension to the elite rank of Eagle Scout. If she is fortunate enough to achieve this high honor, Faro would be one of only six female Eagle Scouts at Troop 539 of Kings Park.

“I can remember being on this very soccer field when I was five years old and I love to pay it forward,” said Faro. “It’s important to me to make a positive impact in the community and doing it through soccer is such a great feeling.”

The budding soccer stars, who ranged in age between four and ten, also had a great feeling learning the game from Alyssa and her staff.

“I had a lot of fun and I scored a lot of goals,” said a seven-year-old boy named Daniel. “I can’t wait for the season to start.”

The Smithtown Kickers season will kick off on March 23 at various locations throughout Smithtown.

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