Kids & Family

Local Scout Joe Vitale Earns Eagle Rank

"What will this boy become? Look what he's already achieved in a mere 16 years."

After years of planning, hard work, and construction, Joe Vitale, 16, of Marlboro finally earned his Eagle Scout rank after building a school in a Guatemalan village. 

The size of the crowd at Bella Vista Country Club on Saturday was impressive, as his fellow Eagle Scouts joined friends, family and dignitaries to honor the size and scope of the project Vitale took on.

"What will this boy become? Look what he's already achieved in a mere 16 years," said Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik.

Honored guests included Freeholder John Curley, Freehold Deputy Mayor Anthony Ammiano, Freehold Committeeman Thomas Cook, Retired Marlboro Superintendent Dr. David Abott and many more.

Vitale's journey to his Eagle Scout badge began in 2007, during a trip he took with his family in 2007 to Guatemala, where he said he was inspired meeting local children. Their school, he said, was more like a shack. 

Marlboro Police Chief Bruce Hall said he always sends a letter to local scouts who achieve Eagle status, but this event he had to see in person.

"This one touched us a little more because of the size of the project he undertook," Hall said.

The ceremony brought up and coming Eagle Scouts together with veteran scouts to honor Vitale and award him the famed neckerchief. Vitale honored his parents Patty and Vincent for their help, and thanked his mentors for their guidance.

Retired Police Captain Doug Van Note traveled from Chicago for the ceremony. After reading Vitale's story on Patch in 2012, Van Note reached out to the family to help, and has stayed involved ever since.

Van Note honored Vitale with a challenger coin, primarily reserved for law enforcement officials.

"We don't give these to everyone, only to special people," Van Note said. 

The school Vitale built in Guatemala will house around 100 children every year, and is built to withstand earthquakes and regional weather common in the region.

Vitale dedicated the school to his great grandmother, who was a teacher for indigenous Mayans in the area. For Vitale, the roots are deep, and his Eagle Scout project would strive to help an impoverished area while honoring his family.

"I wanted to be an Eagle Scout, and look where I am now," Vitale said. 

Vitale is a member of Troop 155 of Freehold, NJ. 


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