On Sunday, June 2, an audience of dignitaries, Boy Scouts, families, friends and honored guests filled St. Anne’s McCloskey auditorium to standing room only capacity. Despite their vastly differing backgrounds, each individual present shared the same purpose in attending: to honor the four new Eagle Scouts: Nicholas Vernice, Jonathan Cioffi, Peter Vesnaver and Peter Levchuck. Immediately following the 2 p.m. processional, Master of Ceremonies and Scoutmaster Mr. Brian Crandall welcomed his audience and congratulated the young men on their accomplishment in attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest recognition offered in Scouting.
After the Honor Guard ceremony, each Eagle presented his mother with a beautiful bouquet of flowers including one red carnation, representing Scouting, as well as an “Eagle Scout Mom” pin. Upon the conclusion of this tradition, the Scout’s fathers were called upon to join their sons onstage and be awarded an “Eagle Scout Dad” pin as well. Finally, in a symbolic gesture of the unity that Scouting both forms and tests between parent and child, both the Scout’s mother and father were invited to pin the iconic Eagle Scout medal upon their son’s uniform: the first physical indication to the world that their son is now an Eagle.
Following the acceptance speeches, Garden City Mayor John J. Watras, representatives for New York State Senator Kemp Hannon and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, David Doucette of the National Eagle Scout Association, Dr. Anthony Battista, Grand Knight Msgr., John C. Seidenschwang Council and Todd DeStaebler, Cubmaster of Cub Pack 134, directly addressed the Scouts and awarded them with various accolades and awards in recognition of their unique achievement and to close the ceremony.
Becoming an Eagle is not just an advancement, but rather a journey, one that encourages young men to better their communities, their relationships and themselves through unwavering dedication to service, God, and moral steadfastness. Congratulations once again go out to the four young men whose accomplishments proved indicative of the standards of dedication and leadership to which Eagle Scouts across the United States are expected to adhere to.
Peter Vesnaver’s Project
Peter Vesnaver’s project was completed at the Garden City Nursery School, where he restored outdoor equipment, and indoor playthings. Primarily, Vesnaver’s project consisted of restoring or replacing their blocks, tire swing, indoor play table, and rocking chair. Additionally, he organized efforts to power-wash the entirety of the school’s concrete. Vesnaver was successful in his efforts to obtain contributions for all the materials he needed for the project. Peter Vesnaver attained the rank of Eagle Scout on January 10, 2013.
Nicholas Vernice’s Project
The completion of Nicholas Vernice’s project was contingent on overcoming countless challenges, both logistical and legal, to obtain steel from the World Trade Center and ensure its subsequent use in a September 11th memorial. After pursuing locations in both Garden City and Uniondale, in addition to meeting with victim’s family members, representatives from the Port Authority and officials from Garden City, Vernice requested and obtained permission from the president of his school, New York City’s Regis High School, to construct the aforementioned memorial in a tribute to not only the three Regis alumni who were lost on 9/11, but all those who perished on that tragic day as well. Additionally, he was successful in securing contributions for all materials needed in the project. For his efforts, he was nominated to be the 2013 Eagle Class Spokesman. Nicholas Vernice attained the rank of Eagle Scout on June 3, 2012.
Jonathan Cioffi’s Project
Jonathan Cioffi’s project was completed at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church and Little Saints Preschool in West Hempstead. His project involved planting flower beds around the perimeter of their playground, as well as constructing new sheds on the ground of the school to store their “Little Tykes” play equipment during inclement weather. To bring his project to fruition, Cioffi solicited countless donations, as well as a grant from a local Lowes Home Improvement store. Jonathan Cioffi attained the rank of Eagle Scout on December 26, 2012.
Peter Levchuck’s Project
Peter Levchuck’s project involved renovating and beautifying different parts of the Polish American Museum in Port Washington. He organized an effort to plant over 200 Tulip bulbs, as well as several new plants. Additionally, Levchuck defined several new flowerbeds and organized the installation of a new sprinkler system. Inside the building, he had seven exhibition rooms and a connecting corridor painted. Finally, Levchuck created, designed and published a new website for the museum. To realize his project, he raised funds via print and radio requests. Peter Levchuck attained the rank of Eagle Scout on April 2, 2013.
