Six Local Boys Earn Eagle Scout Rank

On June 9, 2019, six boys from Boy Scout Troop 2 Mamaroneck, Daniel Ricci, Ari Maki, Joseph Yang, Milo Haviland, James McSweeney and Julian Allison, will celebrate the most prestigious achievement in Boy Scouting – earning the highest rank of Eagle Scout -at their Eagle Scout Court of Honor in Mamaroneck, NY.

There are approximately 2.3 million boy scouts in the U.S., and of those, only
approximately five percent earn the rank of Eagle. To do so, one must be active in one’s
troop as a Life Scout for at least six months, hold leadership positions, receive written
recommendations from parents, religious leaders, teachers, employers and mentors. One
must complete at least 21 specific merit badges (although all earn many more), and plan,
develop and lead others in a service project that benefits a religious, school or community
institution. The scout must complete a lengthy application and project workbook, write a
statement of life ambition and purpose including leadership positions held in one’s
school, community, and/or religious institution. Assuming the scout’s project is
approved, one must pass a scoutmaster conference and a final Board of Review.

Daniel Ricci restored the ecosystem at Otter Creek Preserve in Mamaroneck. Ari Maki
beautified a Rye Nature Center trail in Rye. Joseph Yang restored the Sunken Gardens in
Crawford Park in Rye Brook. Milo Haviland restored the Haviland Cemetery in
Harrison. James McSweeney designed and constructed bridges for the Marshlands
Conservancy in Rye. Julian Allison created a history of Mamaroneck, including histories
from both the Town and the Village. Altogether, they contributed 1,584 community
service hours with 232 volunteers.

Troop 2 Mamaroneck celebrated their 100th anniversary last year, and since its inception,
this is the largest group of boys to earn their Eagle rank in one year. Starting in Cub
Scouts, these boys have risen in the ranks together for twelve years. Says Scoutmaster,
Donna Ricci, “It has been an honor to lead these six scouts from Tiger to Eagle. I am
truly proud of each of them and look forward to the great things they will do in their next
adventure of life.”