Troop 116 Scout completes Eagle project

Joseph Marchica is on the verge of becoming an Eagle Scout. The Boy Scout from Valley Stream Troop 116 recently completed his Eagle project, installing a new flag pole at St. Joseph’s Church in Hewlett.

Marchica, a senior at Herricks High School, said he noticed that the old flag pole was rusty and thought that it needed to be replaced. He suggested it for his brother, but when his brother chose another Eagle project, Marchica decided to undertake the project himself.

To buy the new flag pole, Marchica had to raise about $400. He sold American flag pins outside of the church following masses and also at the Valley Stream King Kullen. He put in a new light and painted a platform on the church property as well.

While installing the pole, Marchica said he was informed by a parishioner of St. Joseph’s that the flag pole had been dedicated to a Vietnam veteran. Marchica reached out to the family of the veteran, who paid for a new plaque.

Marchica unveiled his project on Feb. 7 following Sunday morning mass. “I feel great, like I accomplished something,” he said.

Before attending Herricks High School, Marchica attended Blessed Sacrament School in Valley Stream. The final step on his journey to Eagle Scout will be a Court of Honor ceremony in the spring.