Roan Merluccio and Matthew Presant Achieve the Rank of Eagle Scout
Pictured (L-R): Matthew Presant and Roan Merluccio,
By Niamh Hartnett Merluccio, Troop 5 Eagle Scout Parent
Nov. 6, 2024: On October 13, 2024 two Scouts from Bronxville Troop 5 - Boy Scouts of America, Matthew Presant and Roan Merluccio, both Seniors at Bronxville High School were awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony held at Scout Cabin in Bronxville.
Matthew and Roan have been Scouts for many years; both crossed over from Bronxville Pack 5 as Cub Scouts and then onto Boy Scouts. As members of the Eagle Scout Class of 2024, together they joined this prestigious group.
What does it take to Become an Eagle Scout?
Earning the Eagle rank is the greatest achievement of a Boy Scout and is only earned by 5% of Scouts, and it must be completed before turning 18. The Eagle Scout rank is highly respected beyond the Boy Scouts for the challenges, dedication and achievements required and is a recognition of young leaders who have gone above and beyond to help others in their community. It represents the kind of character that is built through companionship, responsibility and self-improvement and requires commitment and planning spanning over several years and hundreds of hours.
To earn the rank of Eagle, each of these young men had to complete 325 requirements, earn at least 21 merit badges, fulfill leadership roles, display outdoor skills, and finally plan, lead and execute an Eagle Service Project which serves the community. The project is funded through donations and organized and executed under the leadership of the Eagle Scout candidate. Each service project is subject to a rigorous approval process at district levels, which is followed by a Scout Master Conference and finally a Board of Review before being awarded the rank of Eagle by the National BSA.
Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony
The Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony was held at Scout Cabin and reflected the contributions and leadership of the two new Eagle Scouts.
Acting as Master of Ceremony was Eagle Scout Alexander Dallendorfer. Mr. Jon Denfeld, past Scout Master of Troop 5, then reviewed scouting’s history in Bronxville, which spans over 90 years, including its most famous scout, President John F. Kennedy, who was a Scout in Troop 2 in Bronxville 1929-31. This was followed by Scout Master Mr. Rob Deichert who spoke about “What It Means to be an Eagle Scout”.
The Eagle Scout Charge was given by Eagle Scout Cian Merluccio, brother of Eagle Scout Roan Merluccio. Past Troop Committee Chair Mr. Peter Phillips conducted the pinning ceremony, with the help of each Eagle Scout’s parents. Former Troop Advancement Chair Mr. Vincent La Vecchia presented several awards to the Eagle Scouts and Algonquin District Representative Mr. Ray Bradley also presented awards from the district. In attendance was Bronxville Village Trustee, William C. Fredricks who provided closing remarks regarding scouting and all the service hours that Eagle Scouts have contributed to their communities. He also presented letters of recognition from Mayor Marvin.
In addition to the Eagle award, each new Eagle Scout were presented with gifts from Troop 5, including a United States flag that has been flown in their respective names over the U.S. Capitol Building, at the request of U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. They also each received an Eagle Scout scrapbook with letters of recognition from Scouting, higher education leaders and political leaders, including President Joseph R. Biden, past U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, and William J. Clinton.
The Eagle Scouts and their Eagle Service Projects
Below is an overview of each new Eagle Scout’s Eagle Service Project.
Roan Merluccio joined Troop 5 from Pack 5 Cub Scouts where he earned the Arrow of Light. In Troop 5, Roan served as Webmaster, Historian, and Den Chief. He attended Camp Reed and was also a Senior Patrol Leader. He has earned 27 merit badges including his favorites shooting, hiking, and archery. Additionally, he earned an Eagle Bronze Palm Award for exceeding 21 required merit badges. Roan’s Eagle Scout Project was to build two compliant ADA picnic tables at Ridge Road Park for Westchester Parks Foundation. These tables would benefit people with disabilities, especially people using wheelchairs. The tables were completed on the same day and used for the opening day ceremonies of the Miracle League of Westchester.
Matthew Presant joined scouting in 2015 and crossed over into Troop 5 in 2018. He has held several leadership positions within the Troop including Quartermaster, Troop Guide, and Senior Patrol Leader. Matthew's Eagle Project benefited the Miracle League of Westchester, a local organization that organizes baseball games and other social events for children with special needs. Matthew first began working with the Miracle League in the spring of his freshman year when he worked as a Buddy at the baseball field. Wanting to make a lasting contribution to the league beyond his volunteer hours, Matthew decided to build wheelchair accessible picnic tables for the players and their families to enjoy together. Matthew earned the William and Mary Leadership award from the Bronxville School last spring, for inspirational leadership, outstanding scholarship, and unwavering loyalty--a fitting description for this scout who leads by example through his unassuming, honest and unflagging effort in everything he does.
Bronxville Troop 5 is an active Troop with so many engaging and fun activities, we would encourage any child interested in being part of our Troop to please come to a meeting and see first-hand the value of being a Boy Scout. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Community Service Organizations Directory
Bronxville Beautification Council
Organized in 1982 and incorporated in 1993, the Bronxville Beautification Council (BBC) is a not for profit organization administered by a Board of Directors. Its mission is to enhance and maintain the natural and man-made beauty of Bronxville Village, with emphasis on the downtown business district of Bronxville. The BBC uses the dollars raised in its annual spring solicitation letter to residents to fund the mum, tulip and summer flower plantings downtown and at traffic intersections, as well as the summer hanging baskets. Every few years the group spearheads such major endeavors as the renovation of Leonard Morange Square on the west side of the railroad tracks and the beautification of the Lawrence Hospital traffic circle, which included the addition of plants and the building of the fountain that now makes a gracious western portal to our town. The BBC also works with other civic groups to monitor the aesthetics of retail signage, the consistency of sidewalk materials, and litter and graffiti. During Beautify Bronxville Week, the BBC sponsors a poetry reading and works with Scout groups on the annual village clean-up.
Bronxville Beautification Council
PO Box 127
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-779-6123
Bronxville Boy Scouts
The village of Bronxville has a long tradition of scouting. “The troops and packs of Bronxville have maintained the finest scouting organizations and have taught the boys of the Bronxville area to be leaders and outstanding members of the local, national and global communities.”
There are several Boy Scout Troops in Bronxville, including Troops 1, 2, 4, and 5.
Bronxvillle Girls Scouts
The Girls Scouts is “the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world.” In Girl Scouts, “girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together. Through the many enriching experiences provided by Girl Scouts, they can grow courageous and strong.”
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
The Bronxville Historical Conservancy was founded in 1998 to further the understanding and appreciation of the history and current life of the village. The Conservancy furthers its mission through the presentation of programs, publications, lectures and special events that foster an awareness of the village's architectural, artistic and cultural heritage, and lends its support for projects designed to strengthen and preserve those legacies. Anyone who is interested in the Bronxville and its history can become a member; varying levels of membership are available.
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
PO Box 989
Bronxville, New York 10708
http://bronxvillehistoricalconservancy.org/
Bronxville School Foundation
The Bronxville School Foundation, founded in 1991, is a non-profit organization independent from the school with the sole purpose of supporting the school. The Foundation raises money each year through donations from school families, community members, and alumni, among others.These contributions fund grants that provide cutting-edge technology, innovative programs and curriculum and other resources that are beyond the scope of public school funding.
177 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-0515
https://www.bronxvilleschoolfoundation.org/
Bronxville Women’s Club
The Bronxville Women’s Club offers lectures, exhibits and concerts. It also has a beautiful clubhouse which is available for rental for events.
135 Midland Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3252
www.bronxvillewomensclub.org
Bronxville Youth Council
The Bronxville Youth Council provides volunteer and leadership opportunities for high school students in the village of Bronxville.
177 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-0500 ext 1789
Counseling Center
Founded in 1971, the mission of the Counseling Center “is to provide a wide range of psychotherapeutic and counseling services to individuals, couples and families by a staff of highly trained, experience and dedicated psychotherapists.
The Counseling Center
180 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-793-3388
www.counselingcenter.org
Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester & Tuckahoe
The mission of the Community Fund is “to support broad social services in Bronxville 10708, Eastchester and Tuckahoe through grants and technical support to local agencies and community projects. All money raised here in our community stays here in our community.”
15 Park Place
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-8808
www.thecommunityfund.org
Friends of the Bronxville Library
The Friends of the Bronxville Library is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to focus attention on the “Library’s services, facilities and needs” as well as sponsor projects and provide materials that are beyond the reach of the Library’s regular budget and perform other services.
Junior League of Bronxville
The Junior League of Bronxville is “an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.”
Rotary Club of Bronxville
The mission of the Rotary Club of Bronxville is to “encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and to encourage and foster (1) the development of friendships within the community as an opportunity for service, (2) high ethical standards in business and professions, (3) the application of the ideal of service of each member to his personal and business and community life and (4) the advancement of international understanding, good will and peace through a world fellowship.”
Senior Citizens of Bronxville
Senior Citizens of Bronxville is a not-for-profit organization that provides services and programs to seniors within the 10708 zip code area. “Programs cover a wide range of activities from educational seminars and cultural enrichment, to community services, bridge classes and exercise.”
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