LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Taylor Stephens upon the occasion
of receiving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, the most prestigious
of Scouting honors, on May 14, 2010

WHEREAS, Taylor Stephens, through his diligence and rigorous efforts,
completed the requirements on April 5, 2010 and has achieved Scouting's
highest and most prestigious rank, Eagle Scout; the Eagle Court of Honor
ceremony will be held on Friday, May 14, 2010, at Nesconset Christian
Church, Nesconset, New York; and
WHEREAS, Eighteen-year-old Taylor Stephens is a member of Boy Scouts
of America Troop 439 in Ronkonkoma, New York; he started Cub Scouts in
1999 and joined Troop 439 in 2003; he progressed through Life Scout, and
now, Eagle Scout, and served as the Troop's Senior Patrol Leader from
June 2008 to March 2010; and
WHEREAS, Taylor Stephens has studied Martial Arts for 11 years, earn-
ing a Black Belt in Karate in 2007 and, in 2009, he was a delegate to
Boys State New York; and
WHEREAS, Taylor Stephens attended St. Joseph Elementary School in
Ronkonkoma and will graduate from St. John the Baptist High School on
June 5, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Taylor Stephens has decided to serve his country and, through
the Marine Delayed Entry Program, will enter the U.S. Marine Corps
Reserve and will complete Basic Training before attending college in the
fall of 2011; and
WHEREAS, America has achieved her greatest heights of glory through
the dedication, determination and tireless efforts of the outstanding
citizens of this Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is only with the continued diligence and devotion of our
youth, tomorrow's leaders, that America will maintain her glory; and
WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America and its members are dedicated to
the development of character and leadership in the youth of this Nation;
and
WHEREAS, The highest achievement of leadership in Scouting, earned by
only five percent of all Boy Scouts, is the distinguished rank of Eagle
Scout; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding young man has been involved in Scouting for
many years, has lived up to Scouting's ideals and has attained all of
the necessary achievements, including completion of a community service
project, which was successfully planned, developed and executed; and
WHEREAS, For his Eagle project, Taylor Stephens constructed a teak
bench to benefit hikers and the disabled visiting the Connetquot River
State Park Preserve in Islip; and
WHEREAS, The Preserve maintains 3,473 acres of land and water for the
protection and propagation of game birds, fish and animals; it also has
50 miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross country skiing and nature
trails, as well as fishing on the Connetquot River; and
WHEREAS, Taylor Stephens' bench will be a welcome resting place for
hikers and others who travel the hiking trails and for the handicapped
who enjoy day trips to visit the Preserve's fish hatchery; and
WHEREAS, Taylor Stephens' perseverance in rising through the ranks to
Eagle Scout is a strong indication of his ability to master difficult
tasks; his accomplishment will enable him to emerge as a leader, fully
equipped to meet the challenges of today's complex society; and
WHEREAS, This new Eagle Scout is a credit to his family, his school,
his community, his State and his Nation, and no doubt his future will be
filled with accomplishments of equal importance; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations, in
recognition of the significance of this meritorious achievement, to
congratulate and honor Taylor Stephens on achieving the rank of Eagle
Scout; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Taylor Stephens.