Senate Resolution No. 781

BY: Senator MARTINS

CONGRATULATING Matthew Rapa upon the occasion of
receiving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, the
most prestigious of Scouting honors, on May 18, 2025

WHEREAS, Matthew Rapa, 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 Sunday, May 18, 2025,
at The Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Port Washington, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Rapa is a member of Scouts BSA Troop 201; and

WHEREAS, America has achieved its 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 its glory; and

WHEREAS, Scouts BSA 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 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
the necessary achievements, including completion of a community service
project, which was successfully planned, developed, and executed; and

WHEREAS, For his project, Matthew Rapa designed and constructed a
U.S. flag collection box for John D. Caemerrer Park in Albertson, New
York; the new box helps the community to respectfully retire damaged or
old flags, ensuring they are properly disposed of with dignity; he also
led a team of fellow scouts in beautifying the park's entrance by
restoring a fence, a walkway, and adding vibrant greenery to the
landscape; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Rapa began his scouting journey in 2013 as a Wolf
in Pack 202 before continuing with Troop 201 in 2017; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his path to Eagle Scout, Matthew Rapa attended
seven summer camps, served as Den Chief, Instructor, Assistant Patrol
Leader, and Patrol Leader of the Gorilla Patrol; he earned a total of 28
merit badges and the special awards of Kayaking BSA, Snorkeling BSA, and
50-Miler; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Rapa was fortunate to attend all four High
Adventure Trips; he served as Chaplain's Aid at Northern Tier in 2024,
as a Crew Member for Philmont in 2023, Sea Base Out Island in 2022, and
Summit in 2021, which earned him the Grand Slam of National High
Adventure Award; and


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

WHEREAS, As he enters the next chapters of his life and is met with
limitless opportunities, Matthew Rapa plans to continue to uphold the
ideals and principals of Scouting America; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Rapa'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 Matthew Rapa on achieving the rank of Eagle
Scout; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Matthew Rapa.