Eagle Scout Spotlight: Harrison Gelinas

For Rye High School tenth grader Harrison Gelinas, the Rye Nature Center now has new meaning.

Gelinas is a JV soccer player, varsity skier, and member of Model UN. A few weeks ago, he added another accomplishment to his resume. On May 21st, Gelinas earned the distinguished honor of Eagle Scout at his Court of Honor ceremony, which was held at the Rye Nature Center.

Several yards away from where Gelinas received the great distinction lies his finished Eagle Scout project, The Rye Reflect Space. Gelinas launched his vision for the space after stumbling upon an unkept corner of the nature center that had been littered with fallen trees. He set out to transform the area into a peaceful natural space where people can relax, recharge, and reset. After careful planning, Gelinas led a team of 33 Scout volunteers, adult leaders, parents, and family members, providing over 225 hours of service, to create The Rye Reflect Space.

Gelinas has numerous achievements as a Scout, including earning 29 elective merit badges, 21 more than the required eight. He spent 77 nights camping in a tent and hiked a total of 209 miles. Gelinas also served his troop well in leadership positions as a Patrol Leader, Outdoor Ethics Guide, Quartermaster, Troop Guide, and Instructor. He dedicated a total of 165.5 hours on service projects, which is above and beyond the 18 hours required.

This Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony was very special for the Gelinas family, as Harrison became the sixth member of the family to be crowned an Eagle Scout. Several family members spoke at the ceremony, and Harrison’s Scoutmaster, his father, Garrick, was given a mentor pin alongside Assistant Scoutmaster, Eric Harvey.