Eight young men from Boy Scout Troop 26 reached Eagle Scout, and a celebration was held to acknowledge this achievement. David Alexander Segarra, Isaiah Segarra, David N. Silva Jr., Angelo Manatu, Kyle Raymond Paneto, Mario Xavier Aguila, Ryan Downey-Lugo, Jeissefer Morales all have grown up in Greenpoint and Williamsburg and as part of reaching this highest rank in scouting each has performed service projects that have benefitted our community.
“[Scouting gives you] another family, I recommend it to anyone. You get to experience nature, roasting marshmallows, instead of stuck watching TV or video games,” said David Segarra.
“It’s challenging, but you are surrounded by men achieving the same goals,” said Morales who added the scouting gave him his first experience with camping.
Scoutmaster Kenneth Paneto took over the leadership of Troop 26 from his father six years ago when he was just eighteen. He commuted back and forth from college to keep the troop going. Troop 26 is one of twenty-four troops having the distinction of oldest unbroken charter. This troop was first established in 1910. Three other troops were present to support the brotherhood.
Council Member Stephen Levin also stopped by to say, “You exemplify community public service and are an inspiration for the young and for the old.” He also lent a hand to help cut the cake.
