An impressive Eagle Court of Honor was held before a large audience of family, friends, troop members and community and government officials at the Shelter Rock School on June 10. At this ceremony, Troop 97 inducted three Life Scouts into the rank of Eagle, the highest rank in Scouting. They were high school seniors Michael Brennan, Edward Kitt and Daniel Trigg.

It is not an easy task to become an Eagle Scout and less than .5 percent of all Boy Scouts ever reach that level. In addition to demonstrating leadership and outdoor skills throughout their scouting years, the boys had to earn a minimum of 21 merit badges of which 12 are required. They also had to plan, organize and manage a major community service project.

Mike Brennan was additionally awarded Eagle Palms, which recognizes achievements beyond those required for Eagle. He had completed his service project for the Town of North Hempstead at the Harbor Links golf course. This included constructing and installing birdhouses, together with planting ornamental grasses at the 150-yard markers. This provided a sanctuary for various species of birds and was one of many ecological/conservation requirements that Harbor Links needs to meet in order to earn the prestigious Audubon signature status, a distinction that currently exists with only 11 golf courses in the world.

In Mike's Eagle Response, he stated that he will take the concepts of honor, commitment, loyalty, self-sufficiency and many other lessons learned in scouting, with him into the rest of his life. He commented that his experience of eight years as a Boy Scout was an important part of his life. Mike noted that becoming an Eagle is a major personal milestone. He intends to keep up the momentum of using the tools Scouting has given him.

Ed Kitt's service project consisted of restoring and extending a split rail fence at Manhasset Valley Park. This project included the planting of flowers around each post of the fence. The split rail fence not only beautifies the park, but it forms a barrier to the stream and pond for the children who attend baseball games as well as those who play at the playground. The new fence, which is more than triple the size of the original fence, and all the flowers that were planted make an attractive addition to the park for all who attend.

In Ed's Eagle Response, he stated that being an Eagle Scout is really a commission or an assignment to inspire, teach and promote the ways of scouting to youngsters and to instill in them the values of honor to God and country. Ed acknowledged that becoming an Eagle required sacrifice, dedication and hard work. He reminisced about certain Scouting experiences and acknowledged that is was a great feeling to attain his dream. He charged the younger Scouts in the audience to enjoy the entire Scouting experience, make friends and stick to their goals so that they can achieve the rank of Eagle as well.

Dan Trigg's service project consisted of renovating and landscaping the Northwest and Northeast corners of Northern Boulevard and Center Drive in the Village of Flower Hill. His project included the removal of overgrown shrubs and the re-grading of the ground. That was followed by the construction of 45 feet of a new stone retaining wall, the planting of more than 100 new shrubs, plants, and trees and the installation of new village signs. Dan's project improved the safety and beauty of the intersection.

In Dan's Eagle Response, he expressed the fact that in looking back at his earlier days in Troop 97, he could not say that he saw himself standing at a podium speaking as an Eagle Scout. Dan highlighted some of his Scouting adventures and memorable moments. He acknowledged that his service project was challenging and a real test of Scout spirit and commitment. He encouraged the younger Scouts to volunteer, make scout trips, sharpen their skills and show Scout spirit.

All three boys graciously expressed their thanks to many people who supported them along the trail to becoming Eagles. This included parents, friends, family members, educators, the Nassau County Theodore Roosevelt Council, American Legion Post 304 which sponsors the troop, and the past and present Scoutmaster, leaders, Scouts and parents of Troop 97.

The Court of Honor program was led by Scoutmaster Joe Vogel and by the troop Committee Chairman Kevin Silva who did an outstanding job as the Master of Ceremonies. Father Kevin Smith gave the invocation and then the Troop 97 ceremonial team performed the Order of the Arrow ceremony led by Matt McDonough. Many awards, medals and citations were issued to each of the boys by various officials in attendance. In addition, each boy was presented with a New York State flag and an American flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol on their behalf.

Those who honored Mike, Ed and Dan were Jack Kilbride, representing U.S. Congressman Peter King, Fred Pollock, representing NYS Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli, Nassau County Legislator Craig Johnson, NYS Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell, American Legion Post 304 Commander Ed Gays, Principal William Stark of Manhasset High School, Nassau County Executive Thomas Gullotta, Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Doreen Banks, and John Erskine of the Shelter Rock district, BSA Theodore Roosevelt Council. Father James Williams, principal of Chaminade High School was accompanied by Father Earnst and Brother Peter.