Scout’s highest honor: Six Northport High School students/graduates attain coveted ranking

To say obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout is an arduous process would be an understatement. The honor is Scouting’s highest rank with only four percent of Scouts earning the title nationally. It is the culmination of years-long efforts to learn camping, outdoor, first aid and life skills and gain real-life experience leading small groups of Scouts. 

A variety of time-intensive projects – all of which included proposing, planning, executing, fundraising and team management – were recently completed by six young men from Troop 474. Their efforts were celebrated last Monday, June 10 at an Eagle Court of Honor held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Youth Center in East Northport.

“These young men have each followed the rigid path required to attain the coveted Eagle Scout rank and they are the embodiment of the traits needed to be prepared for the challenges they face as they enter college, the workforce and throughout life,” read a press release detailing their individual accomplishments and ascension to Eagle Scout.

The single most important Eagle Scout requirement is giving back to the community, and the evening highlighted those contributions: Max Hagerman (NHS, ‘23) refurbished the small commons courtyard at Northport High School; Chris Monda (NHS, ‘24) installed steps and revamped the dog walking path at the North Fork Animal Welfare League shelter in Aquebogue; Kyle Nock (NHS, ‘23) installed raised flower beds at a Northport VA residential hall to support horticultural therapy; Luc Wagner (NHS, ‘24) installed sculling boat racks at Long Island Rowing Center in Northport; Athan Zarkadas (NHS ‘24) built a new, winterized duck coop at Elijah Farms in South Huntington; Nate Zarko (NHS, ‘24)  installed benches for the 5th grade playground at Northport Middle School; Andrew Monda refurbished the US Army Jeep installation at the New York State Veterans’ home in Stony Brook.

Additionally, Andrew Monda (NHS, ‘24), was celebrated for having completed all of the Eagle Scout requirements as he awaits a final Board of Review. 

“The Eagle Scout badge stands for strength of character. It means that a Scout set a goal and worked to achieve it,” said Mike Tambone, Troop 474 Scoutmaster. “It’s not only a symbol of what these young men have accomplished but, more importantly, it represents their potential as they grow into manhood.” He also encouraged the Scouts to use their skills and experience to make their world a better place.

The ceremony was attended by friends, relatives and scout families where each Eagle Scout acknowledged the guidance and support they received from mentors in their lives including mothers, fathers and siblings as fellow Eagle Scouts looked on and participated in the events of the night. Mike Tambone, Troop 474 Scoutmaster, Robert Thall, Troop 474 Assistant Scoutmaster and David Hunt, Scouting America Suffolk County Council Executive Board Chairman, were joined by members of troop and council leadership to recognize the accomplishments of these young men.

“You have overcome adversity and persevered in your life in ways that are inspiring to those around you,” said one Eagle Scout parent, Lisa Cannata, of her son, Athan Zarkadas, and his experience with Troop 474. “I am forever grateful to all the Scouts and adult mentors of our Troop 474 family who believed in Athan and provided guidance that helped raise him into the person he is today: an intellectual and spirited young man. I couldn’t be more proud!”