Senate Resolution No. 728

BY: Senator KAPLAN

CONGRATULATING Tommy Mathew upon the occasion of
receiving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, the
most prestigious of Scouting honors, on June 6, 2021

WHEREAS, Through his diligence and rigorous efforts, Tommy Mathew
has achieved Scouting's highest and most prestigious rank, Eagle Scout;
the Eagle Court of Honor ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 6, 2021,
at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish School in Hicksville, New York; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Mathew is a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop
382, Hicksville, New York; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Westbury, New York, Tommy Mathew began his
long scouting career as a Cub Scout in Pack 382, culminating in earning
the Arrow of the Light Award before crossing over to BSA Troop 382 in
2014; and

WHEREAS, As a scout, Tommy Mathew earned 34 Merit Badges, completed
National Youth Leadership Training, and served in the leadership
positions of Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol
Leader, Instructor, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster; 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, 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 approximately 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, Tommy Mathew restored and beautified the
grounds of the Long Island Mar Thoma Church in Merrick, New York, by
planting 30 Leyland cypress trees along a barren dirt patch which lined
the church parking lot; he also built and installed three benches, built
a planter box, and repainted all the parking space lines; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Mathew chose this church to conduct this Eagle
Project because as a parishioner, it became apparent that outdoor
renovations were required; furthermore, due to the large number of
elderly parishioners at the church, he wanted to focus on creating an
area for them to sit outside after church services; and


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

WHEREAS, Tommy Mathew'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 Tommy Mathew on achieving the rank of Eagle
Scout; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Tommy Mathew.