J 778: Congratulating Michael Chao upon the occasion of receiving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, the most prestigious of Scouting honors, on May 18, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 778 BY: Senator MARTINS CONGRATULATING Michael Chao upon the occasion of receiving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, the most prestigious of Scouting honors, on May 18, 2025 WHEREAS, Michael Chao, through his diligence and rigorous efforts, has achieved Scouting's highest and most prestigious rank, Eagle Scout; the Eagle Court of Honor ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Port Washington, New York; and WHEREAS, Michael Chao is a member of Scouts BSA Troop 201; and WHEREAS, America has achieved its greatest heights of glory through the dedication, determination and tireless efforts of the outstanding citizens of this Nation; and WHEREAS, It is only with the continued diligence and devotion of our youth, tomorrow's leaders, that America will maintain its glory; and WHEREAS, Scouts BSA and its members are dedicated to the development of character and leadership in the youth of this Nation; and WHEREAS, The highest achievement of leadership in Scouting, earned by approximately five percent of all Scouts, is the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout; and WHEREAS, This outstanding young man has been involved in Scouting for many years, has lived up to Scouting's ideals and has attained all the necessary achievements, including completion of a community service project, which was successfully planned, developed, and executed; and WHEREAS, For his project, Michael Chao sought to beautify the Buddhadipan Meditation Center, a local monastery, by repairing and repainting the outer fence of the center; and WHEREAS, The Buddhadipan Meditation Center was greatly improved through Michael Chao's community-minded efforts, and in addition to replacing and repainting the fence, Michael Chao planted rhododendron bushes and installed solar powered lamps to illuminate the fence; and WHEREAS, To fund his project, Michael Chao held a clothing drive and collected donations from the regular monastery goers; and WHEREAS, Michael Chao began his scouting journey as a Wolf Scout in Pack 202, and since joining Troop 201 in 2017, he has been entrusted with various leadership roles, including Quartermaster of Frontiersman patrol, Patrol Leader of Hawk Patrol, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader; and WHEREAS, Michael Chao joined fellow scouts on three High Adventure Trips, serving as Crew Leader at Sea Base in 2022, Crew Leader in Philmont Scout Reserve in 2023, and Crew Member in Northern Tier in 2024, thus earning the Triple Crown award; and WHEREAS, On his path to becoming an Eagle Scout, Michael Chao earned 32 merit badges, BSA Lifeguard, Snorkeling BSA, Kayaking BSA, and the 50-Miler Awards; and WHEREAS, His dedication to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Nassau County is represented through his project and demonstrates his devotion to both community and commitment to others; and WHEREAS, As he enters the next chapters of his life and is met with limitless opportunities, Michael Chao plans to continue to uphold the ideals and principals of Scouting America; and WHEREAS, Michael Chao's perseverance in rising through the ranks to Eagle Scout is a strong indication of his ability to master difficult tasks; his accomplishment will enable him to emerge as a leader, fully equipped to meet the challenges of today's complex society; and WHEREAS, This new Eagle Scout is a credit to his family, his school, his community, his State, and his Nation, and no doubt his future will be filled with accomplishments of equal importance; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations, in recognition of the significance of this meritorious achievement, to congratulate and honor Michael Chao on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Michael Chao.