Brothers earn top rank in Royal Rangers

In a ceremony on Nov. 15 at the Bethlehem Assembly of God in Valley Stream, brothers Charles and Michael Sanky have earned what few boys their age have ever done — the Gold Medal of Achievement from the Royal Rangers.

Royal Rangers is a church-based mentoring ministry. Since its inception in 1962, millions of boys in the United States and around the world have been guided through the ministry, and, according to its National Director, Rev. Doug March, many of these boys are now successful businessmen, public servants, pastors, church leaders and missionaries. The Gold Medal of Achievement is the highest award in Royal Rangers.

Charles, 14, is a tenth-grader at Valley Stream North High School — he skipped the sixth grade — and is currently taking three Advanced Placement courses. He started in the Royal Rangers’ Rainbow Program, and, over the years, earned the Long Island and New York District Ranger of the Year, as well as bronze, silver and gold medals of achievement. He plays piano and trumpet, among other instruments, and worked in Assemblyman Bob Barra’s office in the past two summers.

Michael, 13, also attends Valley Stream North and is in the eighth grade. He is on the High Honor Roll and the Principal’s list, and is a member of his school’s jazz band, as well as playing tenor saxophone in the All County Jazz Band. He, too, plays the piano. Like his brother, Michael also worked his way up through ranks in the Royal Rangers.

“I am extremely proud of these boys,” said their father, Charles Sanky. “They have worked very hard for many years to achieve this award. They exemplify what you can do if you set your mind and spirit on a goal, even at a very young age. I’m excited to see what they do next.”

During the Court of Honor ceremony, Charles and Michael made acceptance speeches, performed a musical selection, and were lauded by Royal Ranger, local, town and state officials.

“I was impressed with their activities in their church,” said Mayor Ed Cahill, who attended the ceremony. “I have big expectations of them later on in life with their training, their Bible study and with the great family that they have.”