J 781: Congratulating Matthew Rapa upon the occasion of receiving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, the most prestigious of Scouting honors, on May 18, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 781 BY: Senator MARTINS CONGRATULATING Matthew Rapa upon the occasion of receiving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, the most prestigious of Scouting honors, on May 18, 2025 WHEREAS, Matthew Rapa, 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, Matthew Rapa 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, Matthew Rapa designed and constructed a U.S. flag collection box for John D. Caemerrer Park in Albertson, New York; the new box helps the community to respectfully retire damaged or old flags, ensuring they are properly disposed of with dignity; he also led a team of fellow scouts in beautifying the park's entrance by restoring a fence, a walkway, and adding vibrant greenery to the landscape; and WHEREAS, Matthew Rapa began his scouting journey in 2013 as a Wolf in Pack 202 before continuing with Troop 201 in 2017; and WHEREAS, Throughout his path to Eagle Scout, Matthew Rapa attended seven summer camps, served as Den Chief, Instructor, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader of the Gorilla Patrol; he earned a total of 28 merit badges and the special awards of Kayaking BSA, Snorkeling BSA, and 50-Miler; and WHEREAS, Matthew Rapa was fortunate to attend all four High Adventure Trips; he served as Chaplain's Aid at Northern Tier in 2024, as a Crew Member for Philmont in 2023, Sea Base Out Island in 2022, and Summit in 2021, which earned him the Grand Slam of National High Adventure Award; 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, Matthew Rapa plans to continue to uphold the ideals and principals of Scouting America; and WHEREAS, Matthew Rapa'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 Matthew Rapa on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Matthew Rapa.