Seneca Waterways Council, Boy Scouts of America announced in a press release the details surrounding the 70th annual Eagle Scout Celebration on June 8th:
Seneca Waterways Council, Boy Scouts of America hosted its 70th annual Eagle Scout Celebration on Tuesday evening, June 8th. Due to pandemic guidelines and restrictions on (indoor) venue capacity, the event took on a unique look this year by being held outdoors at Frontier Field.
The Eagle Scout Celebration event honored the achievements of the 166 Eagle Scouts in the Class of 2020. This year’s class had the added distinction of being the Council’s first co-ed class of Eagle Scouts. In 2019, the Boy Scouts of America welcomed girls into their Scouts BSA program (for youth ages 11-18) making it possible for girls to achieve Eagle like their male counterparts. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest rank in Scouting that only about 5% of Scouts nationwide ever achieve. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, Scouts must complete 21 merit badges, hold positions of leadership in their troop, and complete a service project that gives back to the community.
During the evening, twelve Scouts were recognized for the impact that their Eagle Scout project has on the community. Out of the 12 projects, one is selected as project of the year. That honor was presented to Eagle Scout Reese Lazzaro from Troop 163 in Webster. Lazzaro’s project was the renovation of the Penfield Food Shelter which required extensive external repairs as well as repairs in the kitchen, basement, deck and a handicap ramp. Cabinets were also relocated, modified and shelving built. Under Lazzaro’s leadership, 30 volunteers spent 220 hours on the project.
The Council also presented the Honor Medal, a heroism award, to Eagle Scout Antonio Carrasquel from Troop 46 in Phelps, NY. The Honor Medal is presented to an individual for life-saving meritorious actions. Carrasquel, in 2018, with considerable risk to himself is attributed with saving the lives of two men from being victims of a potential drowning as their boat was sinking and being carried away in the rapids down the Canandaigua Outlet.
Proclamations from Senator Jeremy Cooney on behalf of the NYS Senate, and from Monroe County Executive Adam Bello were presented along with congratulatory video messages for the Eagle Scout Class of 2020 from both Senator Cooney and County Executive Bello.
The event is also an opportunity for the local Scouting organization to honor and recognize the lifetime achievements of an adult Eagle Scout by presenting the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. This year’s honoree is Dr. Kevin J. Casey of Rochester General Hospital. The National Association of Eagle Scouts’ Outstanding Eagle Scout Award is a prestigious recognition granted by a local council to Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement at the local, state, or regional level.
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