An Eagle Has Landed: Matt Rogers

On Saturday, March 25, 2026, Matt Rogers sat for his Final Eagle Board and was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout!  He was escorted by Mr. Poholsky.

Matt confidently sat before the Eagle Board and spoke about his project where he built and installed new cubbies for the Nanuet High School Orchestra instruments. Matt has played violin in the high school orchestra for the past 4 years, and he saw firsthand the need for new storage and the efficiency it would bring. He used CAD software to create the design, and led scouts, friends, and family in cutting, sanding, staining, and assembling multiple storage shelving units. Matt learned the value of purposefully planning the details of his project, and effectively communicating them to his project workers. Despite some setbacks that he shared, he told the board “My project went great!”.

Matt’s leadership positions include Assistant Patrol Leader for Barbed Wire, Patrol Leader for Barbed Wire, Den Chief, Acting Instructor and Troop Guide, Order of the Arrow Representative, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and Philmont Crew Lead. Matt shared that he first experienced leadership responsibility while serving as APL, where he had to step up in his PL’s absence. That first experience, he says, started his journey toward leadership. Matt enjoyed taking the Snow Sports Merit Badge just because it was so much fun, and says that Citizenship in the Natiin is closely aligned with the ideals of Scouting. One of his favorite trips was Philmont. He says the more time that passes, the fonder his memories get. Matt also enjoys his time with the OA, most memorably the venison stew they had.

Matt spoke at length to the board about the importance of having a positive attitude, and believing that everything will work out if you put the time into planning for your desired outcomes. He described a feeling of accomplishment and achievement he got from getting things done. This was the attitude that helped him through his project, and one that he plans to take with him to college. Matt is excited to be attending Manhattan University for Civil Engineering. One meaningful takeaway Matt has from Scouting is to “keep showing up” and be involved. He recalled a time when he first joined Troop 97, and a scout trusted him while competing in a meeting activity. This made him feel welcomed into the troop. Matt has made it his point to show this kind of welcoming to all scouts. Matt’s advice for new scouts is to stick with the program, believe in and trust others, and listen for good advice when it is given.

Please join me in congratulating Matt for achieving this milestone!

Mr. Poholsky

Scoutmaster Troop 97

New City, NY