Seven Smithtown Troop 349 Scouts Earn Eagle Scout Rank

Seven members of Smithtown Boy Scout Troop 349 were honored for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout during a Court of Honor held at the Nesconset Fire Department.

Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy attended the ceremony recognizing Michael Erhard, Lucas Cotsalas, Michael Neglia, Richard “RJ” Campisi, Owen Stahl, James Flynn and Ryan Ramchand. Each scout completed a community service project as part of the requirements for attaining scouting’s highest rank.

Erhard organized volunteers to construct a brick path for The Society for Lending Comforts in Smithtown to improve accessibility and walkability.

Cotsalas led a beautification project on the front grounds of Smithtown United Methodist Church, while Neglia designed and constructed a map kiosk at the head of the Greenbelt Trail in Smithtown to provide hikers with current trail information.

Campisi completed a beautification project at the U.S. Civil Air Patrol Squadron 10 headquarters in Holbrook.

Stahl worked with the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society to create and install a sign commemorating the Green Pavilion at Hollywood Beach.

Flynn replaced a bridge along a section of the Greenbelt Trail in the Village of the Branch.

Ramchand also worked with the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society, improving its grounds by installing a fence, planting trees and adding a sign.

Kennedy said the number of Eagle Scouts recognized during a single ceremony was unusual for the troop.

“This is the first time in 23 years that we have had as many as seven Eagle Scouts celebrated at the same Court of Honor,” Kennedy said. “I am impressed by these young men, and I know they will go far.”

Kennedy represents Suffolk County’s 12th Legislative District, which includes Smithtown, Nesconset, Hauppauge, the Village of the Branch, Lake Grove and portions of several surrounding communities.