Dream comes true for new Eagle Scout

When Charlie Mauro was in fifth grade, his dream was to become an Eagle Scout. Within five years, that was accomplished, as he officially earned scouting’s highest honor at a Court of Honor ceremony on Jan. 3.

Mauro, 15, is a member of Boy Scout Troop 189, based at Temple B’Nai Torah in Wantagh. He joined the scouts when he was in first grade with Cub Scout Pack 374 at the Abbey Lane School.

Completion of a community service project is required to become an Eagle Scout. Mauro built two shade structures at the Eastover Gardens apartment complex on Seaman’s Neck Road in Wantagh. The idea was brought to his attention by Town of Hempstead Councilman Gary Hudes.

At the complex, which also includes the Wantagh Senior Center, there are two sets of benches which overlook the bocce and shuffleboard courts. The coverings over these benches was just lattice attached to four posts, so it was not providing any shade to seniors who wanted to sit and watch the game. Mauro’s crew of about 50 volunteers, using the existing supports, built two canopies.

The work was completed over several weekends last spring, and was completed on June 24, just in time for summer. He said after the work was complete, he heard positive feedback from the seniors, who were able to enjoy the shade on those hot July and August days. “They seemed very appreciative,” he said.

Planning for the project began in October 2014. He had architectural plans drawn up, and had to get necessary approvals from the town. He also hosted a spaghetti and meatball dinner at the Knights of Columbus hall in Levittown to raise money for materials. The food and the space were donated, so all proceeds went to his project. Between the dinner and two $250 donations, he was able get the entire $1,500 he needed.

When it came time to build, Mauro spent his weekends delegating tasks to his volunteers, who were fellow Scouts and family members. Additionally, contractor Chris McCoy was his construction manager.

“I felt a large sense of accomplishment,” he said of the project. “It took a while but it was definitely worth it.”

“I was so happy to work with Charlie Mauro on his Eagle Scout project at the Wantagh Senior Center,” Hudes said. “The seniors can now enjoy playing shuffleboard with the protection of a fabulous sun shelter built by this fine young man. Charlie’s father has set a fine scouting example for him and I am so proud to see him reach this level in scouts.”

Eagle Scouts are also required to earn 21 merit badges. At the time of his ceremony, Mauro had earned 99, and said he plans to get all 138 by the time his scouting career is over. “I always like to earn things and show what I can learn and achieve,” he said, adding that his favorite badges to earn were animation, wilderness survival, computers and archery.

Like most Boy Scouts, Mauro has enjoyed the camping trips over the years and the chance to make new friends. Since Mauro is from Levittown, attending Division Avenue High School, and his troop is in Wantagh, he has been able to meet scouts from several different schools.

He is the senior patrol leader for Troop 189, which is the top leadership position among the Scouts. He plans to continue his role with the troop for the next two years and said he plans to guide other boys looking to become Eagle Scouts. “With that position,” he said, “I can do the most to help others in my troop.”

Mauro is a member of the Order of the Arrow, which is the National Honor Society for Boy Scouts. He has received several religious awards, and is the 33rd Eagle Scout in the history of his troop, dating back to 1953.

About 140 people attended his ceremony at Levittown Hall in Hicksville. He received citations that day from Assemblyman Tom McKevitt and County Legislator Rose Walker. Many of his family members, fellow scouts and friends were in attendance.

At school, he takes Advanced Placement courses, is a member of the Science Olympiad team, Math Honor Society and DECA business club, and plays string bass for the Chamber Orchestra.

Mauro said that he knows that being an Eagle Scout will open doors for him, but hopes that his own abilities and ambitions will get him through those doors. Eagle Scout, he said, is just one accomplishment he hopes to achieve in life.

“Ever since I joined Cub Scouts, it has been my goal to go through the entire program,” he said. “It feels good to be an Eagle Scout. It’s always been a dream of mine.