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Four Valley Stream Boy Scouts were recognized at a ceremony on Jan. 2 at Grace United Methodist Church for earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the organization’s highest accreditation.
Billy Paraszczuk, 18, Frankie Rossetti, 16, Nicholas Rossetti, 18, and, Julian Tineo, 16, are Valley Stream Troop 109’s newest Eagle Scouts.
“When these young Scouts come into our program, the ultimate goal is what you see up here — young men,” said Troop 109 Committee Chair Roger Colena, gesturing to the four boys standing at the alter.
Family and friends filled the church as Scoutmasters, local officials and parents took to the podium to explain the significance of the Scouts’ achievement.
“To achieve the rank of Eagle, to proceed through the ranks, is the long game,” said Nassau County Court Judge Robert Bogle. “It takes many, many months and many, many years to achieve that accomplishment … And that’s why I think Scouting is such a really interesting way to learn as an individual and, simultaneously, also work in a group effort.”
The central requirement of the Eagle Scout accolade is the that a scout must, plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community.
Paraszczuk previously volunteered at the Jamaica Bay Volunteer Refuge, and decided to ask if they needed anything done for his community service project. The need for a walkway to provide bird watchers access to the east pond was brought to his attention, and so he organized the project.
Currently studying engineering at Clemson University in South Carolina, Paraszczuk said it was left up to him how to design the walkway. He consulted with his father, and they came up with a plan. “We wanted to keep it simple,” he said. “The more complex you get, the more lumber you need, the greater the cost.” After fleshing out plans for more than a year, the bridge was built in summer 2014.
Nicholas Rossetti’s project involved fixing up the historic Phillips House Museum, on Hempstead Avenue in Rockville Centre, in October 2013. The Scouts power washed the home, and sanded and painted the porch, which had been worn down. It took about eight hours to complete the project.
In May 2014 Frankie Rossetti and fellow scouts from Troop 109 went to Malverne American Legion Post 44 on Franklin Avenue to build a horseshoe court for veterans and repaint a sign to complete his community service requirement. He supervised about 20 people.
The first step for Rossetti was conducting research to teach him and his fellow troops how to make one. Together, they constructed a platform, placed it in the ground, and then installed a backboard.
“I learned that building a horseshoe court is not as simple as it sounds,” he said. “There’s a lot more detail to it than most would think.” He added that he hopes the veterans will enjoy it for years to come.
Tineo’s project involved putting together a pre-built storage shed at the American Legion Post 44 in June 2014. With the help of four to five scouts, he leveled the ground and built the base, then assembled the rest of the storage shed. Tineo supervised the project, providing snacks and tools for his fellow Scouts.
At the ceremony, the new eagles singled out members of their friends and family who have helped them along the way.
“I would like to dedicate this portion of Scout Law to my parents because, no matter what the circumstances were, they always continued to show full and utter support for whatever their kids have chosen to do,” said Paraszczuk. “My parents have yet to diminish their confidence and support in their kids and in one another.” Paraszczuk, also thanked his brother, who moved to South Korea to teach English last year.
Nicholas and Frankie Rossetti acknowledged their father for involving them in Scouting, and for always lending a helping hand on camping trips. Tineo thanked his two younger brothers — both sporting Troop 109 uniforms in the audience — for reminding him to be energetic and to have fun.
Paraszczuk and Nicholas Rossetti said they’ll always be a part of Troop 109 despite having left Valley Stream to attend college.
