Local Alex Barnes Makes Eagle Scout

Alexander D. Barnes of Smithtown is the newest Eagle Scout of Boy Scout Troop 214. Troop 214 now has 98 Eagle Scouts to their credit.  Alex completed his Eagle Scout project at the Nesconset branch of the Smithtown Library which was previously an armory before its renovation.  The project was dedicated to the military that served the 587th and 580^th Transportation Companies of the New York Army National Guard at the Armory and included planting shrubs and perennials, two benches and a three hundred square foot octagonal paver patio that was constructed around the existing flagpole that was used by the Armory.   Two fundraising events were held and with the support of Troop 214 and the project took shape during the summer of 2011.  Under Alex’s leadership the Troop 214 scouts worked over four hundred hours and completed construction in the fall of 2011.  

An American flag and POW flag were presented to the Library at a dedication ceremony of the bronze plaque.  The red white and blue patriotic colored flowers of Alex’s Eagle Scout project can be seen when entering the library from Smithtown Boulevard and enjoyed residents using both the Nesconset Branch of the Smithtown Library and Charles P. Toner Park.

Alex started out as Cub Scout in Pack 373 in 1^st grade at Branch Brook Elementary school. His Dad, David A. Barnes assumed the role as Cubmaster through Alex’s elementary school years. Alex decided to join Boy Scout Troop 214 because of the troop’s dedication to backpacking trips, museum trips, kayaking, and bicycling marathons.  Alex’s dad became the Scoutmaster of that troop as well.  During those years Alex earned numerous merit badges and joined the Order of the Arrow. Alex achieved Eagle Scout Rank in March of 2012.   In July, Alex’s Eagle Scout Ceremony was held at the First Presbyterian Church in Smithtown.  Alex will continue to participate in the troop as an assistant scoutmaster whenever he is home from college.  Alex is attending Georgetown University and is majoring in international political economy.