(WILLISTON PARK, N.Y.) - Nassau County Legislator Ellen W. Birnbaum (D - Great Neck) attended Albertson/Herricks Troop 201’s Eagle Court of Honor at American Legion Post 144 in Williston Park on Sunday, Jan. 5, where she presented Nassau County Citations to new Eagle Scouts Daniel Russo, Anthony Giunta, Brandon Aguiar and Christopher Soo, in recognition of the accomplishments and community service that earned them the highest rank in Scouting.
“Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a culmination of a young life dedicated to Scouting and community service,” Legislator Birnbaum said. These four impressive young men have earned this prestigious distinction through hard work that was inspired by a truly commendable desire to make their communities better. I am proud to recognize these young men as they become Eagle Scouts and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”
(Biographies are presented in order of appearance in photograph, from left.)
Daniel Russo, of Roslyn, began his scouting career in 2012 as a sixth grader and earned the Triple Crown of High Adventure for completing trips to three Boy Scout national high adventure bases. During his journey to Eagle Scout, he earned 36 merit badges. For his Eagle Scout project, Russo beautified and improved the safety of the American Legion Post No. 144 grounds by: designing and installing a retaining block planter surround for its flagpole; removing abandoned bocce ball court and horseshoe pits; and installing safety tape on the treads of the three entryway staircases.
Anthony Giunta, of East Williston, began with Scouts in Kindergarten as a Cub Scout with Northside Pack 8, Den 1. In fifth grade, he ascended to Troop 201, where he earned 32 merit badges and completed an Eagle Scout project which entailed planting 35 trees and shrubs, clearing an invasive species and laying landscaping fabric and mulch to beautify the front entrance of the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter.
Brandon Aguiar, of New Hyde Park, began scouting career in first grade as a Tiger cub in Cub Pack 201, joined Boy Scout Troop 201 in sixth grade and earned 41 merit badges as he rose through the ranks. Along the way, he earned the Triple Crown National High Adventure award. For his Eagle Scout project, Aguiar improved the Herricks Community Center’s Alzheimer’s Garden by cleaning and restoring the garden, building a pergola, constructing a wheelchair-accessible planter box; and power-washing the brick courtyard.
Christopher Soo, of New Hyde Park. embarked upon his Scouting journey by joining the Cub Scouts in fourth grade and progressing to Troop 201 in the following grade. He earned 35 merit badges and is a recipient of the Grand Slam and Triple Crown awards, among others. For his Eagle Scout project, he completed a fence, path, and garden bed restoration project to beautify the Herricks High School garden.