Top honor for Seaford Scout

The Boy Scout who constructed a gazebo dedicated to slain ATF agent John Capano is now an Eagle Scout. Cory Levy received scouting’s highest honor in a ceremony at the Seaford American Legion on Nov. 28, where he was joined by about 80 family members, friends, fellow Scouts, elected officials and community leaders.

Levy, 17, of Troop 239, has been in the Scouts since he was 6, and said earning his Eagle rank has been a long-time goal. “It just feels nice,” he said of finally achieving his dream. “It’s nice that everyone showed up, everyone that’s helped me throughout the process.”

For his required community service project, Levy constructed a gazebo at Washington Avenue Park, in memory of Senior Special Agent Capano, who was killed on Dec. 31, 2011, while attempting to apprehend a robber at a pharmacy on Merrick Road in Seaford. Levy and his volunteers built the gazebo, created a garden and installed a memorial plaque.

Levy raised about $7,200 for his project by holding garage sales and seeking donations from businesses. He was supported by the Capano family along the way. “They’re really great people,” he said, “and I felt honored to help their family.”

He added that since he was in the Cub Scouts, his vision was to do a project at the Washington Park, and the gazebo in memory of a fellow Seafordite just made sense.

Levy also earned 27 merit badges, exceeding the 21 that are required to become an Eagle Scout. He said he went on just about every trip his scouting unit offered, including to Annapolis, Pennsylvania and Boston. One trip that stands out for him is to Mohonk Mountain House in upstate New Paltz, recalling the “breath taking” view when he got to the top.

He also fondly remembers the numerous camping and fishing trips, and Pinewood Derby races as a Cub Scout. Levy said the two lessons he learned from his trips were to always check the weather ahead of time and to pick a tent buddy wisely.

Among those on hand to celebrate his accomplishment was Congressman Peter King, a neighbor of Levy. King presented the Eagle Scout with an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol.

“To me,” King says, “he personifies what American youth should be about.”

State Sen. Michael Venditto said that Eagle Scout is just one of many accomplishments that Levy will earn in his life, while County Legislator Steve Rhoads called it an honor that will last a lifetime. “It isn’t something that you can get for your birthday,” Rhoads said. “It’s something that you have to earn.”

Also extending their congratulations to Levy were Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney, Lions Club President Charles Wroblewski, Chamber of Commerce Secretary Karen Cass and several scout leaders.

Levy presented the mentor pin to scout leader Thomas Cleary. “He was always there,” Levy said of the man who guided him through his Eagle project.

Outside of Scout, the Seaford High School senior is a member of the yearbook committee and the pit band, in which he plays the tenor saxophone. He is presently exploring his college options and would like to major in music.

Levy became the 49th Eagle Scout in his troop’s history. He said by sticking with it, he learned valuable communication and leadership skills that he says will give him an advantage has he pursues his goals.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for helping me achieve this rank,” he said.