Smithtown teens, Jacob Gaio, Thomas Steger and Diego Bower Bonvino attained the rank of Eagle at a ceremony at the Brush Barn in Smithtown. With family, friends, fellow scouts and local officials including Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recognized the three scouts for their dedication and service to the scout ideals and commitment to their community.
Diego Bower Bonvino, who last year completed the Suffolk County Legislature’s Leadership Program in Legislator Trotta’s office, designed and supervised the installation of a rain garden at the Suffolk County William Rogers Legislature Building in Hauppauge. He raised over $1000 for the supplies and plants and recruited 40 volunteers to assist with his Eagle Scout Project.
Jacob Gaio developed and installed a QR Code Trail Map System for the Suffolk County Blydenburgh Park in Smithtown, which the Suffolk County Parks Department plans to replicate throughout some of its parks. He also created signs and 19 MAP posts with instructions for using the code.
Thomas Steger did two projects at the Guide Dog Foundation in Smithtown. He constructed 46 interactive dog feeders, and made 250 tie-downs to keep the guide dog closer to its owner. He raised enough money to cover the cost of both projects and donating the remaining $500 to the Guide Dog Foundation/America’s Vet Dogs.
At the ceremony, Legislator Trotta presented each Eagle Scout with a proclamation recognizing their achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout. “This is a very proud moment for these young men, and this accomplishment will be with them for the rest of their lives. I extend my congratulations to all of them and thank them for what they have done for the community and hope that they will continue to be active in their community,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.