Assembly Resolution No. 1597

BY: M. of A. Miller

CONGRATULATING Joseph William Stehlik upon the
occasion of receiving the distinguished rank of
Eagle Scout, the most prestigious Scouting honors,
to be celebrated on June 14, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those young people whose dedication, perseverance, leadership,
and service to others exemplify the highest ideals of citizenship and
community involvement; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Joseph William Stehlik of Verona, New York, upon the occasion of
achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor
attainable in the Boy Scouts of America; and

WHEREAS, Joseph William Stehlik successfully fulfilled all
requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout and passed his Eagle Board of
Review on October 27, 2025, and will be formally recognized for this
outstanding achievement at his Eagle Court of Honor on June 14, 2026;
and

WHEREAS, The rank of Eagle Scout is awarded to only a small
percentage of Scouts and represents years of dedication, personal
growth, leadership development, and service to others; and

WHEREAS, Joseph William Stehlik began his Scouting journey as a
Tiger Scout in the first grade and remained actively involved in
Scouting throughout his elementary, middle school, and high school
years, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the principles of the
Scout Oath and Scout Law; and

WHEREAS, During his 12 years as a member of Troop 25 of the
Leatherstocking Council, Joseph William Stehlik participated in numerous
service projects and community activities, including food drives,
Memorial Day cemetery flag placement, fire department cleanup efforts,
and volunteer service at a local food pantry, while also participating
in the Order of the Arrow and attending many summer camps; and

WHEREAS, As part of his Eagle Scout requirements, Joseph William
Stehlik planned, organized, and completed an ambitious Eagle Scout
Service Project focused on preserving local history through the
restoration of a building more than 100 years old located at the town
cemetery; and

WHEREAS, This significant undertaking included replacing clapboard
siding, scraping and painting exterior surfaces, performing concrete
repairs, coordinating the safe relocation of honeybees, and organizing
hundreds of volunteer service hours while raising thousands of dollars
in materials and support; and

WHEREAS, Through his leadership and determination, Joseph William
Stehlik ensured that an important historical structure would be

preserved and maintained for future generations of residents and
visitors to appreciate; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his many contributions through Scouting,
Joseph William Stehlik has demonstrated a deep respect for community
traditions and patriotism, including his participation in Memorial Day
observances, most recently serving as the "Echo" during the performance
of Echo Taps at the Memorial Day Parade in Sherrill, New York; and

WHEREAS, Joseph William Stehlik's commitment to service, leadership,
citizenship, and community involvement reflects great credit upon
himself, his family, Troop 25, the Leatherstocking Council, and the
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
individuals who demonstrate such exceptional character and dedication to
serving others are worthy of the highest praise and recognition; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Joseph William Stehlik upon attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and
to commend him for his years of dedication to Scouting, leadership,
community service, and commitment to preserving the history and
traditions of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Joseph William Stehlik in recognition of this remarkable
achievement and with sincere best wishes for continued success in all
his future endeavors.