Three Troop 38 Boy Scouts advance to highest rank of Eagle

WARWICK — Warwick’s Boy Scouts of America Troop 38 advanced three more of its members to the rank of Eagle on June 9.

Troop 38, which meets at the Pine Island firehouse, was chartered to the Warwick Lions Club in 1954.

Earning the rank of Eagle is a remarkable achievement because only about two percent of all scouts attain this rank, the highest one awarded in scouting.

Troop 38 presented the awards at an “Eagle Court of Honor” for Philip J. Juliano, Thomas P. Keane and Joseph M. Niblo.

The well-attended event was held in the St. Stephen’s - St. Edward’s School gymnasium.

The Rev. Michael McLoughlin, pastor of the Church of St. Stephen, the First Martyr, who reported that he had once served as a scoutmaster, welcomed the guests and praised the young men for their achievement. He was especially grateful that two of the Eagle projects directly benefited the parish.

Deacon Arthur Cuccia gave the invocation and Troop 38 Scoutmaster Michael Geidel then introduced the Eagle Scout candidates and their parents.

To achieve the Eagle Rank, the scouts were required to complete a minimum of 21 merit badges, have leadership roles in and outside of the troop and participate in community service. Each candidate must complete a major community service project as the last requirement before attaining the Eagle rank.

Projects Philip Juliano’s project was to create a fenced and gated community garden on Penning’s Field adjacent to St. Stephen’s. The produce grown in the garden is being donated to food pantries serving the local community at the Warwick United Methodist Church and Holy Rosary Church in Greenwood Lake.

Thomas Keane built a beautiful informational kiosk along with entrance signs at Cascade Lake Park. The kiosk displays helpful information about the park’s trails and local wildlife. Hikers and visitors are now able to learn more about the park’s environment.

Joseph Niblo and the scouts who worked with him spent two months building a paver patio area with benches around the flagpole in front of St. Stephen’s - St. Edward’s School.

The grassy area had no previous landscaping and the base of the flagpole needed minor repairs. The area is now used as a quiet place to sit and relax.

- Roger Gavan