Michael Lisitano Earns Eagle Scout Rank

A release from Boy Scout Troop 44:

Michael Lisitano, a member of Berlin Boy Scout Troop 44, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Boy Scouting. He is the son of Sebastian and Donna Lisitano and Lauren Lisitano’s brother.

The winter of 2010-11 was extremely harsh. The East Berlin fire hydrants were barely visible in the day light, impossible to see at night and easy to miss in an emergency situation.

For Michael’s Eagle Project, he directed the clean-up and painting of hydrants in the Berlin Water Control District. He raised money to purchase rustoleum paint and supplies. With other Scouts, he inspected each hydrant, evaluated its location and chose to paint it based on safety factors and road conditions.

Thanks to the full turnout of Troop 44 Scouts, leaders and parents, the group painted over twice as many hydrants as planned. Michael supervised their work by riding his bike throughout East Berlin to motivate the workers and check on the progress. Fifty-six fire hydrants were painted and still look shiny and bright, thanks to everyone’s efforts.

Michael began his Scouting career in 2001 with Cub Scout Pack 13 Den 1 at Hubbard School. He earned many belt loops and the Arrow of Light in 2006.  He also built life-long friendships with Den members.

Continuing to Boy Scouts was a quick decision for Michael. While on the Troop 44 Trail to Eagle, Michael advanced through the ranks and has earned 74 Merit Badges (and counting!). He was elected by his fellow Scouts to the Order of the Arrow (Scouting’s National Honor Society) where he advanced to Brotherhood. 

The Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII Religious Emblems were earned, as well as, the BSA National 100 Nights and Days of Camping and the World Conservation Award. He held leadership positions as librarian, assistant patrol leader, patrol leader and senior patrol leader and is currently a very involved Troop 44 Junior assistant Scoutmaster.

But the most magnificent experience was the 62-mile hike at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, considered by many as the epitome of the Scouting experience. To train with the crew of 10, hike (50 Miler) and be
their Wilderness Pledge Guia was a privilege.

As a junior at Berlin High School, Michael has been awarded the BHS Technical Education Award twice. He has been involved in the Berlin soccer program since he was four and is the Manager for the BHS boys' soccer team. He tests his skills as a BHS track team pole vaulter. And is an active Berlin UpBeat member, where he was awarded BHS House 2011 Sophomore of the Year.

Boy Scout Troop 44, sponsored by the Berlin Lions Club, meets every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at the Bethany Covenant Church.