For Preston Waters, earning the rank of Eagle Scout marked the culmination of years of dedication — and a project that leaves a lasting impact on the community.
Waters, who grew up in Lynbrook and is a member of East Rockaway-based Troop 332, recently completed his Eagle Scout project by constructing three memorial benches outside the East Rockaway Veterans of Foreign Wars post. Each bench honors a fallen service member, with engraved plaques listing their name, rank, service details and where they died.
The idea came after Waters learned the VFW wanted to create a tribute but had not yet found a way to bring it to life.
“I heard they wanted to commemorate three people and didn’t have benches out front,” Waters said. “So I took the initiative and proposed building them.”
Planning the project took about five months, including developing proposals, organizing materials, securing funding and getting approval from the local scouting council. The actual construction was completed in a single day with the help of fellow Scouts, friends and family.
In total, Waters led a team of about 10 scout volunteers.
“I was the overseer, explaining what needed to be done and making sure everything went smoothly,” he said. “It felt nice to lead and see everything work out well.”
Waters, who has been involved in scouting since he was a young child, said the experience of leading others was one of the most rewarding parts of the project.
“The best part is feeling the completion, the mutual respect and being able to handle responsibility,” he said. “You have people you’re leading who trust you, and you trust them.”
Before reaching Eagle Scout, Waters served as assistant senior patrol leader for three years, helping guide younger Scouts and stepping in when needed. He said those experiences helped prepare him for the leadership required to complete his final project.
Waters officially earned the rank of Eagle Scout earlier this month following a board of review and was recognized during a Court of Honor ceremony held at St. Raymond’s. East Rockaway Mayor Gordon J. Fox attended the celebration.
“It made me feel really good,” Waters said. “I’ve been scouting all my life, and it took a lot of effort from me, my family and my troop to get here. It’s a high honor.”
Now a student at Delaware Valley University studying animal science, Waters hopes to pursue a future working with animals, potentially in veterinary medicine.
His leadership and dedication have left a lasting impression on those around him.
“Preston has been a leader and friend our Scouts truly look up to,” said Edward J. Schenk, Troop 332 committee chair. “He leads by example and is always willing to help others learn and grow.”
