An Eagle Has Landed: Christopher Gonzalez

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, Christopher Gonzalez sat for his Final Eagle Board and was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout!  He was escorted by Mr. Poholsky.

Chris spoke to the Eagle Board about his project where he worked with the county to increase the bat population. He did this by leading a crew of scouts, friends and family in installing 4 bat houses at Kennedy Dells Park. This will provide homes for up to 450 bats. His project also included 2 signs with information about different species of bat, endangerment, and how bats are beneficial to the environment. Through this project, Chris became interested and knowledgeable about bats, which he did not necessarily expect.

Through his leadership in Troop 97, Chris was Patrol Leader for Spartan Patrol, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Chaplain’s Aide. He cites ASPL as his favorite position, as he got to see how much work it took to be SPL, but he had more fun. His favorite Merit Badge was swimming and lifesaving, as it was fun learning in the water. Citizenship in the Community taught him the importance of being accountable for having to put the work in, and how to apply that work to his Eagle Project.

His favorite trips included Summit ATV and Mt. Cardigan (where he went as a younger scout and up to High Cabin as an older scout). Chris hopes his Eagle Project will give back to scouting by inspiring youth who see it to join the program. He recognizes his own growth through scouting, and feels that it helped him realize where he wants to be in life by putting in the work. He also wants to thank all the adults that helped him along the way; they changed him as a scout and a person. Chris is starting his new chapter in life at Alfred University, studying for a career as an electrician. 

Please join me in congratulating Christopher for achieving this milestone!

Mr. Poholsky

Scoutmaster Troop 97

New City, NY