When 16-year-old Drew Barnett, a junior at Mineola High School, rides around Mineola with his mother Diane and father Artie, he can often see American flags proudly displayed. Some of them, he knows, came as a result of his quest to reach Scouting's highest honor.

In order to reach the level of Eagle Scout, a Boy Scout must complete a project that is beneficial to the community. Barnett elected a project that will benefit the Mineola Historical Society, which is appropriate since next year will mark the village's centennial celebration.

Drew ordered a 5' by 8' sign that will bear the name of the Mineola Historical Society from Mineola Signs. The sign, which will be wine red with gold lettering, will be placed in the front of the Mineola Historical Society headquarters. Barnett, with the help of his fellow Scouts in Mineola Boy Scout Troop 45, will also plant foliage around the building.

In order to pay for the sign and the foliage, Barnett had a patriotic way of raising money. He sold American flags for $20 each, a bargain, considering it costs $42.95 each to order them from the company. The high-quality flags proved to be a hit as Barnett sold 400. In fact, after the 400 were sold, he had to start returning checks as order kept rolling in.

The idea to sell American flags to raise money for the sign belongs to Artie Barnett, a New York City firefighter. Artie and Diane have been instrumental in Drew's success as a Scout.

The Eagle Scout project alone has been a long and lengthy process. Drew has had to keep a journal of his work on the project, raise the money and get approval for the project from the historical society and the village. He has attended historical society meetings as well as village meetings.

Of course, Drew has had help from his fellow Scouts, his family, Mrs. Locascio's Junior Historian Club at the Jackson Avenue School and community members such as those who helped the cause, like Bill Urianek of Emory Road, Mayor Jack Martins and the board of trustees.

As Diane Barnett says, it is a commitment. But it is one Drew, who is also a member of Mineola High School's marching band, jazz band, concert band and student service center, has made.

Ever since he joined Cub Scouts in first grade, Drew has seen the benefit of being a Scout. "You learn a lot. It helps you in life, helps you in school and you learn how to deal with people. It 's a great experience," he said.

As assistant senior patrol leader, Drew is one of the leaders of Troop 45, which is described as a "boy-run" troop, meaning the Scouts are encouraged to run their own troop. Over the years, they have done an exceptional job as Troop 45, which is more than 80 years old, has built a rich tradition. In fact, Troop 45 has produced just under 100 Eagle Scouts over the years.

Drew doesn't necessarily believe it's all that important to be the 100th Eagle Scout. However, it is important to him to reach the pinnacle of Scouting and become an Eagle Scout, the highest level a Scout can achieve. In the process, he is doing something for the community.