Boy Scout achieves a life-long dream

When he was a young boy in the scouts, Thomas Wilk watched as the older boys climbed the stage in the Grace United Methodist School gymnasium, where they were celebrated for earning their Eagle rank.

On March 3, it was Wilk’s turn. The North High School senior and Malverne resident was the lone Boy Scout from Valley Stream 109 to receive his Eagle rank this year. With about 100 family members, friends, fellow scouts and dignitaries on hand, Wilk accomplished a long-time goal.

Having been to at least a half-dozen Eagle Scout ceremonies in his life, Wilk said it felt good to have all eyes on him this time. “I was proud,” he said.

The 17-year-old will be going to college in the fall, though he has not yet chosen his school. Wilk said he hopes to major in either math or accounting.

His scouting years began in the now-defunct Cub Scout Pack 74 which was based at the James A. Dever School. Wilk then moved on to Troop 109 for his Boy Scout years. Camping was always one of his favorite activities, and he even enjoyed staying outdoors in the cold weather, with no shelter beyond a tent. “It makes me thankful for what I have,” he said.

For his required community service project, Wilk collected donations for Camp Adventure, a one-week sleep-away camp on Long Island sponsored by the American Cancer Society. It is a program for children with cancer and their siblings. As a childhood cancer survivor and a beneficiary of Camp Adventure’s program for seven years, Wilk said he wanted to do something to give back.

Wilk collected toiletries as well as money, and made a $4,000 donation to Camp Adventure. He went to his church on a Sunday and told fellow parishioners about his project, then collected donations the following week.

From start to finish, Wilk said the project took about four months to plan and execute. He had the help of fellow scouts and friends, as well. In addition to leadership skills, Wilk said the project taught him about the importance of helping others. “Everything isn’t always handed to you,” he said. “You’ve got to work for it.”

To become an Eagle Scout, Wilk also had to earn a minimum of 21 merit badges. He actually earned 27 and said his favorite ones related to science and the environment.