Scout earns Eagle rank

East Meadow High School senior Nolan Travis was honored by family, friends and local politicians at Calvary Lutheran Church on March 4 for earning his Eagle Scout rank, the highest achievement in Boy Scouting.

Boy Scouts are required to meet numerous requirements in order to qualify for the Eagle Scout rank. Travis progressed through each scouting rank; earned 21 merit badges, including personal management, citizenship in the community and camping; served six months in a troop leadership position; planned and completed a community service project; took part in a Scoutmaster conference and passed the Eagle Scout board of review.

With some guidance from a troop leader, Travis planned and completed a three-day project to renovate the Gould House in Lake Grove.

With help from his fellow scouts, the boys replaced molding, painted doors and built and installed shelving and a bookcase. He thanked Mike Killoran of Killoran Construction, Perry Deangelis and Mike Corsello for donating material to his project.

Travis said the front rooms of the Gould building, which he helped renovate in November 2010, was a rundown town hall that will be converted into a museum.

Travis noted his Scoutmasters, parents, Robert and Grace Travis, and two cousins, who also earned the Eagle Scout rank, were instrumental in his success. According to Boy Scouts of America, only 5 percent of scouts earn the rank of Eagle.

Travis became a Boy Scout in Troop 157 in second grade and plans to continue in the organization as a leader.