Sahil Patel, East Islip, New York, successfully completed his Eagle Board of Review on Nov. 3, 2021, officially making him the 101st and youngest Eagle Scout in the history of Troop 205 of Great River, East Islip, and Islip Terrace, NY.  Sahil’s Eagle Court of Honor will be held on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, starting at 11 a.m. at the East Islip High School Auditorium, 1 Redmen Street, Islip Terrace, NY 11752.  COVID-19 protocol and procedures will be in place including the use of masks while on school property.                

Sahil is a member of Troop 205, sponsored by the Great River Fire Department, under the direction of Scoutmaster Mark Businski.  On his “Road to Eagle,” Sahil has served Troop 205 as an assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, librarian, and troop guide – where he assists his younger Scouts in their rank advancements.    

Sahil has had many unique Scouting experiences and has a total of 22 camping nights with the troop.  Some of his favorite camping experiences include the Indian Island County Park Bike Hike Campout and last summer’s Baiting Hollow Scout Camp for a week.    

To become an Eagle Scout, a Scout must earn 21 merit badges, of which 13 are specifically Eagle required, progress through six rank advancements – from Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, then Eagle, and also plan, develop, and implement a major service project for the community. The service project that Sahil developed, planned, and implemented with the assistance of his fellow troop members, friends, and family members was planning, developing, and construction of two bench gliders for the use of the residents at the Momentum Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Center, East Islip, NY, along with a planter.      

Sahil has also earned the following awards and achievement in Scouts: Webelos Arrow of Light, Firem’n Chit, Tot’in Chit, and Cyber Chip.

Sahil recently said this about his Scouting career: “After I receive my Eagle Scout Badge, I want to give back to Boy Scouts, since it has always been a big part of my life, and has guided my in the right direction.  I want to volunteer my time and services by helping and motivating the new and younger Scouts to reach Eagle.”

Sahil went on to say, “My purpose of life is to help others and to do good to the world, while at the same time, pursuing my dreams of science and engineering, while having a happy family and friends.  I want to achieve my ‘3-H’s: Happy Family and Friends, Happy Life, and Happy World.’” 

Sahil is currently in the eighth grade at the East Islip Middle School, where he has been maintaining a 99 average GPA since sixth grade and being awarded with High Honor Roll each semester.  He has also held two positions through school as the president of the Student Government and vice president of the Book Club in the sixth grade.  Sahil also provides services to students by participating in Best Buddies Book Club, Student Government, and helping teachers with extra help and helping other students. 

Sahil has also been on the tennis and cross country teams in school, while also playing the clarinet in school and guitar and singing performances out of school. 

Performing service projects is common for Sahil, where he has logged in 32.1 hours of community service hours through the Troop, not including his own Eagle service project. 

Sahil is the son of Pinky and Nilesh Patel, who have been loyal supporters of Troop 205.  His mother, Pinky, is a member of the Troop 205 Committee.