On Monday, March 2nd, 2020 Scout Troop 13 of St. Anselm held a very special meeting in Meletia Hall, a Court of Honor, to celebrate Christian Buonanno on the occasion of his achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Christian, a junior at Xavier High School in Manhattan, began his journey with scouting as a Cub Scout in Pack 296 at St. Patrick’s Church in Bay Ridge. He has continued his journey with Troop 13 at St. Anselm’s Church. Boy Scouts has been an adventure for Christian. He has spent numerous hours volunteering at events such as the New York City Marathon water station in front of the church and the Winter Wonderland fundraiser. He has learned invaluable leadership and life skills lessons that will carry him through adulthood.
Scout Troop 13 member, Kieran Corda began the Court of Honor, after which Harry D’Onfrio, Assistant Scoutmaster, spoke about Christian and his service to the troop, scouting, and the community. He talked about Christian’s growth in leadership, his integrity and respect for his troop leaders, the ideals of scouting, and his parents.
Mr. D’Onfrio spoke about Christian’s project. He created a bee and butterfly pollinator garden within three wrought iron sections of the John Paul Jones Park at the foot of the Verrazzano Bridge. The Troop planted 630 plants and shrubs to complete the garden. In addition, the boys weeded out invasive ivy around the Verrazzano monument and replaced the ivy with shrubs and mulch. With the guidance of dedicated troop masters and parent volunteers, Christian completed his Eagle Scout project in May of 2019. He achieved his final rank of Eagle Scout on December 11, 2019 at the age of 16.
After Mr. D’Onfrio concluded his remarks, Eagle Scouts present for the evening were asked to stand, whereupon Nick Podias, Joe Corda, and Bro. Robert Duffy rose to be acknowledged by applause from the audience. Nick gave the Eagle Scout charge. Then Christian’s parents presented him with the Eagle Scout scarf and Christian presented his mother with a bouquet of roses. Christian also presented a bouquet to Pam Kelter, Assistant Scoutmaster. Roland Roberts, Scoutmaster, then gave Christian his Eagle Scout badge and recited with him the Eagle Scout oath.
Concluding the formal program, Christian spoke about his journey, about the support of his parents and scout leaders, the help and friendship from the fellow members of the troop, and the values he had learned. It has been an honor for Christian to be counted as one of the Scouts who has passed through scouting at St. Anselm’s, since Troop 13 was established in 1948.
With the continued guidance and support of scout leaders, parents and troop members, like those who for more than 70 years have kept the ideals of Scouting alive and well in St. Anselm’s, we trust that scouting will thrive and grow here in Bay Ridge for many more years to come.
Christian celebrated his wonderful achievement at Meletia Hall on March 2, 2020 – Congratulations!
All the best,
The St. Anselm Publicity Committee