Pictured (L-R): Matthew Presant and Roan Merluccio, 

By Niamh Hartnett Merluccio, Troop 5 Eagle Scout Parent

Nov. 6, 2024: On October 13, 2024 two Scouts from Bronxville Troop 5 - Boy Scouts of America, Matthew Presant and Roan Merluccio, both Seniors at Bronxville High School were awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony held at Scout Cabin in Bronxville.

Matthew and Roan have been Scouts for many years; both crossed over from Bronxville Pack 5 as Cub Scouts and then onto Boy Scouts. As members of the Eagle Scout Class of 2024, together they joined this prestigious group.

What does it take to Become an Eagle Scout?

Earning the Eagle rank is the greatest achievement of a Boy Scout and is only earned by 5% of Scouts, and it must be completed before turning 18. The Eagle Scout rank is highly respected beyond the Boy Scouts for the challenges, dedication and achievements required and is a recognition of young leaders who have gone above and beyond to help others in their community. It represents the kind of character that is built through companionship, responsibility and self-improvement and requires commitment and planning spanning over several years and hundreds of hours.

To earn the rank of Eagle, each of these young men had to complete 325 requirements, earn at least 21 merit badges, fulfill leadership roles, display outdoor skills, and finally plan, lead and execute an Eagle Service Project which serves the community. The project is funded through donations and organized and executed under the leadership of the Eagle Scout candidate. Each service project is subject to a rigorous approval process at district levels, which is followed by a Scout Master Conference and finally a Board of Review before being awarded the rank of Eagle by the National BSA.

Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony

The Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony was held at Scout Cabin and reflected the contributions and leadership of the two new Eagle Scouts.

Acting as Master of Ceremony was Eagle Scout Alexander Dallendorfer. Mr. Jon Denfeld, past Scout Master of Troop 5, then reviewed scouting’s history in Bronxville, which spans over 90 years, including its most famous scout, President John F. Kennedy, who was a Scout in Troop 2 in Bronxville 1929-31. This was followed by Scout Master Mr. Rob Deichert who spoke about “What It Means to be an Eagle Scout”.

The Eagle Scout Charge was given by Eagle Scout Cian Merluccio, brother of Eagle Scout Roan Merluccio. Past Troop Committee Chair Mr. Peter Phillips conducted the pinning ceremony, with the help of each Eagle Scout’s parents. Former Troop Advancement Chair Mr. Vincent La Vecchia presented several awards to the Eagle Scouts and Algonquin District Representative Mr. Ray Bradley also presented awards from the district. In attendance was Bronxville Village Trustee, William C. Fredricks who provided closing remarks regarding scouting and all the service hours that Eagle Scouts have contributed to their communities. He also presented letters of recognition from Mayor Marvin.

In addition to the Eagle award, each new Eagle Scout were presented with gifts from Troop 5, including a United States flag that has been flown in their respective names over the U.S. Capitol Building, at the request of U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. They also each received an Eagle Scout scrapbook with letters of recognition from Scouting, higher education leaders and political leaders, including President Joseph R. Biden, past U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, and William J. Clinton.

The Eagle Scouts and their Eagle Service Projects

Below is an overview of each new Eagle Scout’s Eagle Service Project.

Roan Merluccio joined Troop 5 from Pack 5 Cub Scouts where he earned the Arrow of Light. In Troop 5, Roan served as Webmaster, Historian, and Den Chief.  He attended Camp Reed and was also a Senior Patrol Leader.  He has earned 27 merit badges including his favorites shooting, hiking, and archery.  Additionally, he earned an Eagle Bronze Palm Award for exceeding 21 required merit badges. Roan’s Eagle Scout Project was to build two compliant ADA picnic tables at Ridge Road Park for Westchester Parks Foundation. These tables would benefit people with disabilities, especially people using wheelchairs. The tables were completed on the same day and used for the opening day ceremonies of the Miracle League of Westchester. 

Matthew Presant joined scouting in 2015 and crossed over into Troop 5 in 2018. He has held several leadership positions within the Troop including Quartermaster, Troop Guide, and Senior Patrol Leader. Matthew's Eagle Project benefited the Miracle League of Westchester, a local organization that organizes baseball games and other social events for children with special needs. Matthew first began working with the Miracle League in the spring of his freshman year when he worked as a Buddy at the baseball field. Wanting to make a lasting contribution to the league beyond his volunteer hours, Matthew decided to build wheelchair accessible picnic tables for the players and their families to enjoy together. Matthew earned the William and Mary Leadership award from the Bronxville School last spring, for inspirational leadership, outstanding scholarship, and unwavering loyalty--a fitting description for this scout who leads by example through his unassuming, honest and unflagging effort in everything he does. 

Bronxville Troop 5 is an active Troop with so many engaging and fun activities, we would encourage any child interested in being part of our Troop to please come to a meeting and see first-hand the value of being a Boy Scout. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.