In the News

Scout Troop 18 in Briarcliff Manor celebrated an extraordinary milestone in July, holding one giant Court of Honor for six members who earned Eagle rank, Boy Scout's highest achievement. 

"I tailored it to be able to recognize all six of them," Dr. Michael Pavelchek, the troop's scoutmaster, told Patch.

To attain Eagle Scout rank, a Scout must earn at least 21 merit badges fulfilling requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor life skills. Only 4 percent of Boy Scouts achieve this prestigious recognition, after planning and execution of an extensive community-related service or Eagle Project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, funds and executes.

"We figured out these six were absolutely on track probably a couple of years ago," he said. Still, "a couple were nailbiters."

The rule is that they must get everything done before their 18th birthday. "If a box is not checked off and the clock strikes 12:01, you're done," he said.

However, they worked on each other's projects — specially the three working at St. Augustine's School in Ossining — and the rest of the members helped too. 

"Our troop is very good at that. They step up," he said. "And we make it clear — it’s going to be your turn one day."

The six Eagle Scouts:

• James O’Grady Sutterlin created a garden by St. Augustine’s School. He's headed to the University of Notre Dame. 
• Christian Alexander Messado created an outdoor chess/checker board at the St. Augustine’s playground. He's going to Morgan State University.
• Timothy Phillip Albinus created sections & installed section signs at historic Sparta Cemetery, and photographed all the headstones for an updated survey. He's attending Westchester Community College.
• Corbin Asher Rosario decommissioned an old cross and installed a mosaic of the Mother of the Church at St. Augustine's. He also removed weeds around stations of the cross. He's headed to the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University.
• Brian H Pahk created a little free library at Briarcliff Congregational Church.
• Ralph Felix Dominic Fields did a restoration project of benches and picnic tables at St. Augustine’s. He too is going to the University of Notre Dame.

Pahk will return to the troop as a senior this year — which is great, Dr. Pavelchek said, because most of the time an Eagle Scout finishes their project and graduates from high school around the same time. 

"Most of the time you say 'OK guy, keep in touch' and they're off to college," he said. 

Dr. Pavelchek said they were grateful to be hosted by Independent Hose Co. on Campwoods Road in Ossining, as they needed someplace large to accommodate all the guests.

Troop 18 Briarcliff currently has about 20 members. 

"We welcome Scouts and their families from Briarcliff, Ossining, Croton, Pleasantville and the surrounding areas," he said.