East Islip Senior Earns Eagle Scout Rank After Gun Range Project

EAST ISLIP, NY — East Islip High School senior Matthew Frank Gravano has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, becoming the 123rd Scout in the history of Troop 205 to achieve Scouting's highest rank.

For his Eagle project, Gravano planned and led the construction of new shooting stands, gun racks and training barriers at the Town of Islip Gun Range. Fellow troop members, friends and family helped complete the project, which totaled about 60 hours of service.

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To earn the Eagle Scout rank, Scouts must advance through six ranks, earn at least 21 merit badges and plan and carry out a major community service project. Gravano earned 27 merit badges.

Gravano completed his Eagle Board of Review on June 15. His Eagle Court of Honor is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at Timber Point Elementary School, 200 Timber Point Road in East Islip. Troop 205 is led by Scoutmaster Mark Businski and sponsored by the Great River Fire Department.

"My Scoutmaster and all the Assistant Scoutmasters and Committee Members have been so important on my Eagle Journey," Gravano said. "I am so appreciative of all the time and energy they have donated to make Troop 205 such an amazing Troop."

Gravano has held several leadership positions within the troop, including patrol leader, assistant patrol leader and troop guide. In the latter role, he helped younger Scouts work toward their rank advancements.

Gravano has logged 62 camping nights with the troop. Among his favorite Scouting experiences were a trip to the Florida Keys Sea Base High Adventure Base, where he spent a week aboard a sailboat scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming and fishing; hiking the Gettysburg Historic Trails; and attending summer camps at Baiting Hollow Scout Camp in Wading River and Onteora Scout Reservation in the Catskills.

"Scouting has given me so many unforgettable experiences," Gravano said. "Through campouts, service projects, and leadership opportunities, I have learned skills that will stay with me for the rest of my life."

Gravano has also earned the Webelos Arrow of Light, Firem'n Chit, Totin' Chip and National Outdoor Award for Camping. His fellow Troop 205 members also elected him to the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's national honor society.

In addition to his Eagle project, Gravano has logged 37.7 hours of community service through Troop 205. He is the son of Karen and Carl Gravano. His brother, Jack Gravano, is also an Eagle Scout and was the 118th member of Troop 205 to earn the rank.

Outside of Scouting, Gravano is a senior at East Islip High School, where he has participated in soccer, lacrosse and track. He has also been involved with the Leaders Club, Class of 2027 Club, STARS Club, Interact Club and Student Business Partnership.

His academic honors and activities include membership in the World Language Honor Society, recognition as a High Minds in Motion recipient, a Scholar Athlete Award and a Breakfast of Champions honor.

Gravano has also served on the Youth Squad with the Ambulance Exchange of the Islips as he considers a future career in medicine.

"After I graduate from high school, I plan on attending college to become a medical professional," Gravano said. "After I graduate from college, I plan to use the skills I learned in Scouting to help me reach my goals. Scouting has taught me many important qualities like organization, hard work, and leadership."