Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Huntington Station) recently joined the family, friends and fellow troop members of Deer Park resident and student David J. Russell to witness, honor and recognize him for earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest-recognized achievement bestowed by the Boy Scouts of America to its members. Mr. Russell’s Court of Honor was held at the Deer Park Firehouse on April 28 where he received many accolades for his distinction, including a Proclamation from Legislator Donnelly.
Putting in a total of 184 hours, Mr. Russell created and beautified two planting sites, uprooted weeds and cleaned debris around the perimeter of May Moore Primary School, to earn Eagle Scout recognition. Throughout his Boy Scout career, Mr. Russell has assisted many fellow Boy Scouts in completing their own Eagle Scout projects. In addition, he has shown himself to be a tireless community volunteer, working as an Assistant Coach for the Deer Park Soccer Club and Catholic Youth Organization; Camp Counselor for the Ascension Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School; volunteering for the Deer Park Community Center and Constantino Brumidi Lodge; organizing food drives and cleanups; participating in the New York City Veterans Parade, the Deer Park Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast, and the Deer Park Fire Department September 11th Remembrance Ceremony; placing flags at Veteran’s gravesites; and, assisting the residents at Our Lady of Consolation Nursing & Rehabilitation Care Center.
“David Russell has done more community service in just a few years than most people do in a lifetime,” said Legislator Donnelly. “He has shown leadership, character and a true commitment to community. I know his family is rightfully very proud of him and it is an honor to join them in honoring and thanking him for all that he has done, and I know will continue to do, for the community.”
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Pictured, Legislator Tom Donnelly presents a County Proclamation to new Eagle Scout David J. Russell (second from left), surrounded by Assistant Scoutmaster Paul Pfundstein (left) and Scoutmaster Roger Singh in ceremonies on April 28 at the Deer Park Firehouse.