The Eagle Scout ceremony for Elwood-John H. Glenn High School senior Jake Lauto was held on Aug. 21 at Huntington Town Hall. Lauto recently built sustainable benches in Elwood Park as a tribute to his grandfather, Joseph Lauto.

Guests attending the standing-room-only ceremony included Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison; town officials such as Councilman Dr. Dave Bernardo, Receiver of Taxes Gillian Guthman and Highway Superintendent Andre Sorrentino; and Elwood Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Bossert. Numerous members of Elwood School District’s administration and faculty were there to support Lauto, and John Glenn High School Assistant Principal Corey McNamara received a special recognition for his efforts to support Lauto’s Eagle Scout project.

After the flag ceremony and introductory words from Mercy Haven Executive Director Pat Griffith, his original scoutmaster spoke about the beginning of Lauto’s journey 11 years ago, his “Trail to Eagle” rank advancements, and the awards and accolades he collected during his progression.  

“Everyone should really learn to be a scout,” Lauto said, noting how everything he learned in scouting was helpful in his personal development and daily life. He discussed his sense of citizenship in his community before concluding by saying, “There is a scout in all of us.  If there’s one piece of advice that I could give to all to make the world a better place, it would be to let your inner scout shine.” 

Suffolk County Boy Scouts of America President David Hunt then administered the Eagle Scout Charge and Oath. All Eagle scouts in the audience rose up and recited the oath in unison with Lauto. Finally, he received his Eagle pin from his former and present scoutmasters, and was formally introduced as Eagle Scout Jake Lauto.

“What a true pleasure to watch one of our outstanding Knights become an Eagle Scout,” Dr. Bossert said. “Congratulations once again to Jake on this amazing accomplishment.”

Date Added: 8/31/2022