Great River Student Becomes 102nd Eagle Scout In Troop History

GREAT RIVER, NY — One eight grader is being celebrated for his accomplishment as a newly minted Eagle Scout.

Troop 205 of Great River, East Islip, and Islip Terrace announced on Monday that member Maxwell Curtin Lessing recently completed his Eagle Board of Review, becoming the 102nd Eagle Scout in troop history.

Maxwell, a third generation Eagle Scout, completed the board of review in January and received his Eagle Court of Honor in May, the troop said.

"Now that I am so close to accomplishing my goals of reaching Eagle Scout, I realize how much the journey to get here has taught me," said Maxwell. "I’ve learned how to pitch a tent, tie knots, and deal with hard situations. Even though these are all important things, my Scouting experience has taught me much more important values. In this journey, I have learned the building blocks for my future.”

Under the direction of Scoutmaster Mark Businski, Maxwell has served Troop 205 as a patrol leader, troop scribe, and troop guide, where he assists his younger Scouts in their rank advancements.

To become an Eagle Scout, one must earn 21 merit badges, of which 13 are specifically Eagle required, as well as progress through six rank advancements. They must also plan, develop, and implement a major service project for the community.

Maxwell exceeded expectations, the troop said, and earned a total of 31 merit badges. His service project, with the assistance of his fellow troop members, friends, and family members, included the planning, development, and construction of Adirondack chairs, tables, and a trellis for St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in East Islip.

In addition to his service project, he logged in 46.8 hours of community service hours through the troop, not including his own Eagle Service project.

Maxwell also earned several awards such as the Webelos Arrow of Light, Firem’n Chit, Tot’in Chit, and Cyber Chip. Maxwell was also elected by his fellow Scouts to be a member of the Order of the Arrow — Scouting’s honorary camping society, where he is currently a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow. He has also earned the National Outdoor Award for Camping and the COVID-19 Community Response Award from the Suffolk County Council.

The new Eagle Scout was also recently named a valedictorian of his eighth-grade class at St. Mary School in East Islip, is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, and a member of student council, among many other extra curricular activities.

“Overall in my life, I have one main goal which is to help others and make an impact on the world," said Maxwell. "I want to make a positive change in the world that will help many people."