The year 1911 was the inception of the Eagle Scouts, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America (retitled on February 1, 2019 Scouts BSA to reflect their change of policy to allow girls to join in separate troops). Depending on the source, anywhere from four to seven percent of the 110 million BSA participants have earned the prestigious achievement of Eagle Scout. Giovanni Tamburri is one of that elite cohort.
Giovanni, who credits his moral compass to his parents, Michael and Tracey, both his paternal and maternal grandparents and his brother, Orino who is now in his third year at West Point, has been a Scout member since third grade. A fun-filled social network, Giovanni found himself over the years working with his friends on various badges while enjoying a multiple of activities.
As a high school senior, Giovanni carries a rigorous academic course load including several Advanced Placement classes. He is a member of both the Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society while also playing on the Varsity Basketball, Golf and Track Teams.
During the summer of 2018, Giovanni began working on his Eagle Scout project. While pondering what direction to take, he noticed that the Meet Me in Marlborough signs, at the north and south entrances to town, were in need of beautification. A closer look revealed the signs posts, surrounding stonework, and earth needed refurbishing. He was excited to outline this project as per Eagle Scout Guidelines. Giovanni also felt that the signage should present a befitting welcome to a beautiful town. With the help of Troop 72’s Leader, Kurt Borchert and Council 405 Representative, Lawrence Yarter, Giovanni planned and developed his service project.
At a Meet Me in Marrlboro event held at Benmarl Winery, Giovanni presented and received approval to move forward. What followed was a detailed write up of the project and its benefit. Phases, work processes, materials (type, quantity, unit cost, total costs, source), tools, revenue, safety factors and contingency plans were all included. Ultimately, in the end, when Giovanni’s fundraising had garnered more than the need amount of monies, he turned the extra dollars over to the MMiM organization.
Today, as one drives into Marlboro, either from the north or the south on Rt 9W, the clean, new, eye-opening, and attractive signs are visible. Visible for locals to appreciate and to also help guide tourists. When asked about the project, Giovanni reflects that at the start he was comfortable with the thought of working alone. Then he realized the responsibility of organizing others for a common goal. Giovanni is quick to share his appreciation for those who helped him. Ultimately, he admits the partnership of the teamwork and his leadership role was the success.
Additionally, Giovanni has earned his Bronze Palm, indicative of five merit badges above and beyond the required number badges for an Eagle Scout to receive. He believes it is best to go above and beyond in life. When asked what he learned from the journey of earning his Eagle Scout status, Giovanni demurely said, “I would tell young scouts not to give up on earning that Eagle Scout rank, it’s hard but it’s fulfilling”.
Tamburri will be graduating from Marlboro High School this June. In the fall he will be attending Ithaca College, looking toward studying in the area of Physical Therapy.