“All three young men are brothers who deeply love their faith and parish,” said Victoria LaRusso. “Their projects were supported and encouraged by Fr. Ed Bader, whose dedication and guidance have been a blessing to the St. Peter’s community… we are truly fortunate to have such an inspiring  and supportive pastor.” 

Anthony LaRusso is a senior at Monticello High School. He created and led the Summer Games at St. Peter’s, a project that transformed an old toddler playground into a “vibrant summer game area for parishioners of all ages.” The work included the construction of horseshoe pits, cornhole boards, scoreboards and benches.

“I began my Scouting journey back in third grade with Troop 157… they helped me excel through Cub Scouts and taught me so much, especially how to build some pretty awesome pinewood derby cars,” he said during his Eagle Response address to the assembly. “As I transitioned into Boy Scouts, I began learning even more, especially from the older Scouts, who set a great example.”

“Eventually, I moved over to Troop 101… that’s when I learned to tie most of my knots, complete lashings and earn many of my merit badges,” he continued. “I also made a lot of great friends and got to experience some unforgettable moments, like attending the National Jamboree… I’m especially proud that my two brothers and I earned the Eagle Rank together. That’s a memory we’ll always share.”

In closing, LaRusso paid homage to Scout Leader Jim Steinburg as “impacting my life through Scouting… he’s guided me with a tough love that comes from a deep respect for the values of Scouting. He’s firm, but he always has the Scouts’ best interests at heart.”

After graduation, LaRusso plans to attend SUNY Sullivan, then transfer to SUNY Oneonta to study criminal justice. “After college, my goal is to join the police force and eventually become a crime scene investigator.”

Fredric Schutte II is an 11th grader at Sullivan West High School. He created and supervised the Prayer Garden at St. Peter’s; the garden was an outdoor classroom during his time at St. Peter’s Catholic School. The project included revamping the existing garden (which was created by Fr. Bader), improving accessibility, clearing debris, fashioning and installing butterfly houses, planting butterfly bushes, and with the help of a local tree company, removing hazardous trees.

“I started out as a Wolf in Cub Scouts, and even back then, I knew I wanted to make it all the way to Eagle,” he said. “It hasn’t been easy—there were plenty of roadblocks along the way—but I had the ambition, and I knew I wanted this. I may have wandered off the path a few times, but I never gave up, and I’m proud to say I made it.”

“Scouting has memories I’ll always cherish,” Schutte continued. “From camping and hiking to life-saving skills. There are so many experiences that have shaped me. One of my favorite memories was the Gettysburg camping trip… It brought history to life in a way I’ll never forget.”

“To my family, thank you. Mom, thank you for always pushing me, especially when I felt like giving up… and Dad, thank you so much with the trees for my Eagle Project. My Scoutmaster, also my stepdad, you were tough at times, but no one was tougher than Jim Steinberg! I wouldn’t have made it without you.”

“As a Scout, I’ve learned that a Scout is reverent, and we have a duty to God,” Schutte continued. “When I was little, I’d flip over the pews in church, and somehow Fr. Bader never yelled. He’d just smile and ask if I was being good. Growing up in the church with him, I’ve come to understand and appreciate his gentle way of guiding us… He’s been there every step of the way...”

Schutte said that after he turns 18, he plans to join the Knights of Columbus “to give back to the church that gave so much to me.” Post-high school, he wants to study welding at SUNY Delhi.

Scott Robert LaRusso is a sophomore at Monticello High School, the “Home of the Panthers,” and his Eagle Scout assignment was the St. Peter’s School Yard Project. That focused on reshaping six flower beds in front of the old school building, including removing old borders, weeding, transplanting flowers and shrubs, and mulching the new beds. The work also involved planting new grass where needed, replacing a broken-down fence, cleaning a 10-foot-high cement statue of St. Peter, and generally sprucing up the landscape.

“Boy, can my brothers talk,” he said. As a self-described young man of few words, “I like to keep things short and sweet, kind of like a marshmallow before it falls into the campfire.”

He continued by thanking a long list of supporters during his adventurous odyssey to becoming an Eagle Scout. “Thank you all for your love and support throughout my journey.”

LaRusso recognized Mr. McGinnis as a mentor, “also a man of few words, so naturally we get along great,” and Mrs. Crawley—“you were my rock… I truly wouldn’t be here as an Eagle Scout without you.”

Over this (thankfully) past winter, LaRusso said he joined the Kauneonga Lake Volunteer Fire Department. “I’m proud to use my Scouting skills, especially in life-saving, to serve my community as a firefighter.” As a “strong swimmer,” he hopes to join the department’s dive team.

“In two years, when I graduate, I will be attending SUNY Delhi to become a lineman,” he added.