Becoming an Eagle Scout requires determination, hard work and a willingness to serve others on the part of the Boy Scout seeking the coveted honor. In many cases, it also takes courage to overcome the peer pressure that might dissuade some from being an achiever.

So when nine members of Farmingdale High School's graduating class reached the meritorious rank this year, they left the school and Scouting communities in awe.

"To my knowledge, never in the history of Farmingdale High School have nine young men from the same graduating class achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout," said Barbara Leaming, guidance counselor at the school.

The nine Eagles are: Andrew Des Rault (Boy Scout Troop 261), Nicholas Ferraris (Troop 261), Jason Moritz (Troop 261), Thomas Mulé (Troop 57), Kevin Nickla (Troop 57), J.J. Nolan (Troop 261), Steven Orlando (Troop 339), Sean Pokress (Troop 601) and Charles Rozakis (Troop 601). Eagle Scout is the highest rank that a Boy Scout can achieve, and is bestowed at a Court of Honor ceremony, only after the Scout earns a series of merit badges and completes a service project demonstrating leadership skills.

"This accomplishment is a testament to these outstanding young men who have committed themselves through their projects to enriching our community. Congratulations to these Eagle Scouts and their families. Farmingdale High School is proud and honored to have these fine young men as graduates of the Class of 1999," said Leaming.

The number of Eagle Scouts in Nassau County has traditionally been above the national average, according to Jerry Greene, council finance director for the county's Theodore Roosevelt Boy Scout Council and advisor to the Eagle Scout Association Chapter. And, he noted, nine is a particularly high number of Eagle Scouts for one high school, although he is not sure it is a record in the county, which produced 143 eagles this year.

"Nine, certainly, would be a high number of Eagle Scouts. I wouldn't go so far as to quote it as being a record, however," said Greene.

Nationally, an average of 3 percent of youngsters who join the Boy Scouts reach the rank of Eagle Scout, while in Nassau County the average is about 4 percent, according to Greene. Nationwide, the number of Eagles in on the rise: the national average is up from about 2 percent, where it had hovered for several years, and the Nassau County average is up from about 3 percent during the same period.

While making a mark on Scouting, the Farmingdale High School Eagles have had an impact on the neighborhoods in which they live through their service projects.

For example, J.J. Nolan led a project to re-design a large flower bed at Marjorie Post Park, Massapequa. He noted that achieving the rank of Eagle Scout was a goal he set as a young boy. Acknowledging that he is a role model to his peers, he said, "I think we're role models to the people who actually appreciate and understand it. But then you have the kids who still aren't going to appreciate it no matter what. But you have to overcome that," he said. He noted that he received support from his parents and community, adding, "My parents guided me. But with a thing like this, it's got to come from within yourself. If you want it, you go for it."

Steven Orlando, who organized the cleanup of the Massapequa Preserve, said, "It's self-fulfilling," adding that the gratification of being recognized at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor was a motivating force in working toward the rank. "The honor involved, the politicians that come down - it's overwhelming," he said.

David Pokress, father of Eagle Scout Sean Pokress said the high number of outstanding Scouts is a testament to the cohesiveness of the local community. "The boys really need the help of the community to get it done. They don't do it on their own," he said.

In addition to Leaming, several other guidance personnel lauded the outstanding seniors.

Farmingdale High School Guidance Counselor Fran Mayerhofer said, "The Farmingdale Class of 1999 will be remembered as one of the school's highest achievers. The same can be said for the outstanding group of Eagle Scouts. Never in the school's illustrious history have we had the quantity and quality of this group of Eagle Scouts."

"Achieving Eagle Scout is a tremendous accomplishment. It is an honor that an individual can be proud of for a lifetime," said Dean Buddy Krumenacker.

"To my knowledge, this is the first time our school district has had nine Eagle Scouts in one graduating class," said Geri Taylor-Brown, director of guidance for Farmingdale High School. "I am proud of the young men who have reached this height. They are an honor to their families and our school community. We look forward to hearing great things about them in the future. We also anticipate their positive contributions to the Farmingdale community in the future."