Senate Resolution No. 3468

BY: Senator JACOBS

CONGRATULATING William R. McKeever upon the
occasion of receiving the distinguished rank of
Eagle Scout, the most prestigious of Scouting
honors, on February 15, 2018

WHEREAS, William R. McKeever, through his diligence and rigorous
efforts, has achieved Scouting's highest and most prestigious rank,
Eagle Scout; the Eagle Court of Honor ceremony will be held on Thursday,
February 15, 2018, at the Hamburg United Methodist Church, Hamburg, New
York; and

WHEREAS, The son of 1978 Eagle Scout William P. McKeever, William R.
McKeever is a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 509, Greater Niagara
Frontier Council, Hamburg, New York; and

WHEREAS, William R. McKeever has spent 11 of his 18 years in
scouting, during which time he has earned 25 merit badges and has served
as a patrol leader as well as a mentor to the younger scouts; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, his years in scouting have motivated him to
continue on in youth sports including baseball, football, and varsity
basketball and volleyball; and

WHEREAS, William R. McKeever has taken on numerous high adventure
treks that have tested his endurance, his independence, and his scout
skills on the trail and in the water; he participated in an expedition
at scouting's high adventure mecca in New Mexico, Philmont, and has gone
on a 75-mile canoeing adventure in the Canadian wilderness, and a
45-mile hiking trip up and down the rugged hills of New York's Finger
Lakes Region; 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 project, William R. McKeever lead various teams in
a project to provide amenities and improve wildlife habitat at a local
municipal park; in addition to fundraising for a new metal park bench,
he planted various tree seedlings and flower bulbs, and built and
installed birdhouses; and

WHEREAS, His dedication to the safety and well-being of the citizens
of Hamburg, New York, is represented through his project and
demonstrates his devotion to both community and commitment to others;
and

WHEREAS, William R. McKeever's 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 William R. McKeever on achieving the rank of
Eagle Scout; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to William R. McKeever.