By Liz McBreen
Maintaining self-reliance and individuality, while learning to work with others; having loyalty, honor and integrity; these are some of the characteristics instilled in young men by the Boy Scouts of America.
On April 15, Stanley officially attained the highest rank in the Scouts. He became an Eagle Scout, an honor achieved by less than 2% of Boy Scouts.
The journey to the summit of the Eagle Trail is a difficult one, and Stanley was not always sure he wanted to keep climbing. "This was always an uncertainty," he explained after the ceremony.
According to Stanley's Scoutmaster Steve DiTusa, "He thought about dropping out at one point, so I sat down and talked with him. After that, it seemed like a new fire was lit inside him." He added, "Seeing Nathaniel become an Eagle Scout is one of my most rewarding experiences as a Scoutmaster."
Eighteen-year-old Stanley is a Frank H. Carey High School graduate and he now attends New York University in Manhattan where he studies Liberal Arts.
Stanley began his time with the Scouts in 1989 as a Cub Scout in Pack 282. He joined Troop 93, to which he currently belongs in 1994, and began his steady, although sometimes uncertain ascent through the ranks. He achieved First Class Rank, the first major hurdle in the path to Eagle Scout, in 1998.
Two and a half years later, after earning numerous merit badges, Stanley became a Life Scout. During his time at this rank, Stanley had to earn five additional badges, and complete his Eagle service project. This undertaking means planning, developing and taking a leadership role for the duration of the project, which lasts six months.
Having become interested in biology and the environment because his parents, Fred and Dale, Stanley chose to assist the Park Rangers of Gateway National Park/Jamaica Bay Wildlife Reserve in the revitalization of its maritime habitat. The project consisted of clearing out plants that had been eaten away at by the black turpentine beetle, and smothered by a non-native type of vine called bittersweet. Stanley then worked to replace them by planting native species, thereby maintaining the natural and unique habitat at Jamaica Bay.
Stanley explained how the environmental project began. "Both my mother and father are very interested in Biology, and they used to bring us to the park all the time. One day I asked the park rangers if they could use any help, and they said yes."
Present at the ceremony to congratulate the new Eagle Scout were representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Sen. Dean Skelos' office, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi's office, the Franklin Square Historical Society, as well as Town of Hempstead Board Member James Darcy and Collector of Taxes Donald Clavin.
When Stanley had the chance to make some remarks, he thanked everyone for attending, and most importantly, his parents and family for all of their support. He also thanked his Scoutmaster, as well as all of the mothers and fathers involved in the Boy Scout trips and activities. "I have great memories of my years as a Scout. Becoming an Eagle Scout was difficult as I had to deal with peer pressure, but it kept me on track through adolescence, which can be a difficult time in life."
Stanley's parents watched the ceremony from the front row. "We're so proud of him. He has worked very hard to get here," said his mother. Stanley's sister and brother, also a boy scout, were present as well.
DiTusa, who has been Stanley's Scoutmaster for four years, explained that the new Eagle Scout, although he is no longer officially a Scout since turning 18, but a 'Scouter', is still as helpful and cheerful as he has ever been. "Sometimes he will hop on a train to Long Island from New York City where he attends school to help us out and lifeguard at Chaminade on Monday nights." The Scoutmaster added that the new Eagle Scout is an exceptional leader, and although he comes across as quiet, DiTusa warns, "never mistake meekness for weakness."
