New Eagle had his eye on the prize

Sean Bennett had a vision, and that was to become an Eagle Scout. That’s why he helped people improve their vision, fostering the collection of eyeglasses throughout the community.

Bennett, 18, of Boy Scout Troop 581, became an Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor ceremony on Jan. 10 at the Seaford American Legion Hall. It culminated a 10-year career in scouting that began in a local Cub Scout pack.

A Scout must complete a community service project to achieve the Eagle rank, scouting’s highest honor. Bennett partnered with the Seaford Lions Club in its Recycle for Sight project. He built 10 eyeglass donation boxes that were put at businesses around Seaford.

Bennett completed the project in December 2014. He enlisted about a dozen volunteers — mostly fellow Scouts — to complete the construction in his front year. “They helped me build the boxes so they were a pretty essential part of it,” he said of his helpers.

Charles Wroblewski, president of the Lions Club, the sponsoring organization of Troop 581, said that the collection boxes have been placed in high-volume areas and other relevant places such as optometrists’ offices. “It has increased our collection efforts for those who need glasses,” Wroblewski said. “His project is one that we’re seeing a direct benefit from.”

Wroblewski added that Lions Club chapters across the country take part in this initiative to help people in the United States and abroad who can’t afford eyeglasses. The Seaford club has collected upwards of a quarter-million glasses in its 63 years of existence.

Bennett said that completing his project taught him time management and leadership skills. There was also a lot of paperwork involved, he added, which taught him patience.

He earned 26 merit badges during his scouting career, exceeding the 21 that are required. Bennett said his favorite one was first aid.

Trips were the most enjoyable part of his scouting career whether it was camping, hiking or paintballing. He recalled a hike along the Hudson River in 2014 where he could see mountains one way and New York City the other way.

“It’s gaining new experiences, that’s the best part of being a Scout,” he said. “I have made lifelong friends.”

He attributes his success in scouting to the “superb” leaders of Troop 581, particularly Scoutmaster Scott Fox.

Bennett is a 2015 graduate of Seaford High School, where he played trombone in the marching band, jazz band, pep band and pit orchestra, took Advanced Placement courses and was in the Film Club and Key Club. He now attends Nassau Community College where he studies graphic design, and is considering a career in animation.

He said that earning the Eagle rank, achieved by only 5 percent of people who join the Boy Scouts, shows that he has the skills that future employers want, and that he is willing to work hard to achieve his goals.

His Court of Honor ceremony was attended by about 60 people. “I was extremely grateful,” he said. “All of us have busy lives, so I appreciate that they took the time to show up and share in my accomplishment.”