Glen Head resident formally recognized as Eagle Scout

Nikolaos Stavrianos of Glen Head was formally recognized as an Eagle Scout during a May 15 court of honor ceremony, becoming the first member of Troop 43 to earn scouting’s highest rank in about eight years.

Stavrianos, 19, graduated from North Shore High School in 2025 and recently completed his first year at the University of Tampa, where he is studying international business and entrepreneurship.

Family members, scouts, religious leaders and elected officials gathered at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Sea Cliff to celebrate the achievement, which only a small percentage of scouts attain nationwide.

“I was really stressed out. I didn’t know for sure if I would get it,” Stavrianos said in an interview after the ceremony. “But once I found out… I felt a sense of accomplishment.”

Stavrianos said he began scouting in kindergarten, initially joining Cub Scouts before moving into Scouts BSA. Over the years, he said the program taught him leadership, independence and teamwork.

“It’s definitely a lost type of art that is not as common,” he said. “I really like the part where it teaches you a sense of independence.”

He said becoming an Eagle Scout gradually became a personal goal as he advanced through the ranks. For his Eagle Scout project, Stavrianos completed accessibility and beautification work at Alley Pond Park, a park he said held sentimental value because his grandfather used to bring him there.

Stavrianos said he worked with New York City Parks officials to reopen roadside access to a trail that had become overgrown and difficult for people with limited mobility to use.

The project included installing flower beds around trees near one of the park areas.

During the ceremony, numerous speakers praised Stavrianos for his leadership and service. Representatives from local municipalities, Nassau County, New York State Police and scouting organizations presented him with citations and certificates recognizing his accomplishment.

Religious leaders also emphasized scouting’s connection to faith and service. Father Gregory Gounardes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, himself an Eagle Scout, read a congratulatory letter from Archbishop Elpidophoros of America celebrating Stavrianos’ achievement.

Scout leaders at the ceremony reflected on the years of work required to earn the rank, noting that only about six percent of scouts achieve Eagle Scout status. 

Stavrianos said the strong turnout at the ceremony left him feeling grateful and supported.

“I was absolutely overjoyed,” he said. “I felt so loved.”

He said he was especially moved by the presence of friends, family and community leaders who attended on short notice.

Stavrianos said he hopes his achievement encourages younger scouts in the community to remain involved in the program and pursue Eagle Scout themselves.

“I hope it sparks some type of inspiration in the other scouts,” he said.

Stavrianos said he plans to remain connected to scouting and Troop 43 as an adult leader when during school breaks.