By Dan Hust
MONTICELLO — May 25, 2004 – Saturday’s celebration at Monticello High School was a true family affair for brand new Eagle Scout Eric Shulman.
While mother Ruby proudly watched, Shulman’s brother Philip assisted fellow Boy Scouts in the ceremony. Even grandparents Irene and Ed Davidson were welcomed on stage to participate in Shulman’s ultimate achievement.
But perhaps the most touching moment was elicited by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, who recalled watching an elementary-age Eric being walked to the Rutherford School in Monticello by his father, the late Dr. Fred Shulman.
“Eric’s dad brought the dialysis center to Sullivan County,” said Gunther. “He was a great man.”
From one widow to another, Gunther gave credit to Ruby Shulman for raising a fine family, and then she turned to Eric, who stood stiffly on the auditorium stage in front of friends and Scouts from Rock Hill’s Troop 101.
“Eric, you are an incredible legacy your father left to us,” said Gunther, who then presented the 18-year-old Monticello senior with a certificate of state recognition.
Award after award followed, from Family Court Judge Mark Meddaugh all the way up to President George W. Bush. Thompson Supervisor Tony Cellini, Sullivan County Legislator Sam Wohl, Congressman Maurice Hinchey, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, the Rock Hill Fire Department and the American Legion sent commendations Shulman’s way.
Representing NYS Senator John Bonacic, Joanne Drake referenced the pride she feels when her two boys achieve high goals – though neither of them are yet Eagle Scouts.
“I can really only imagine how proud you are today,” she said to Ruby, then said to Eric, “This is truly a bonus in your mom’s scrapbook today.”
Local and national Boy Scout leaders were also proud of their newest high achiever, even bestowing a national Scouting scholarship on Shulman for his upcoming engineering studies at Cornell University.
“It takes a lot of hard work to become an Eagle Scout,” said Troop 101 Scoutmaster Tom Ference, “and Eric has certainly earned this rank.”
According to his family, Shulman earned all the merit badges necessary for his rank and then completed the required major community project: in his case, that entailed overseeing a crew of scouts and adults to repaint – in bright red – every single fire hydrant in his home development of Emerald Green, near Rock Hill.
But the work’s not over, said Nav-a-Len District Commissioner Phineas Graham.
“All who know you will rejoice in your achievement,” he told Shulman. “This award is one of honor and responsibility. . . . You are now a marked man . . . [and] you will leave behind you a record of which you can be justly proud.
“Remember: your actions are a little more conspicuous now.”
Those thoughts echoed in the heads of the five other Eagle Scouts who attended the ceremony to welcome Shulman into their brotherhood, and it was a charge he promised he would not forget.
Neither will he forget the lessons learned in Scouting, nor the influence of his family – almost all of whom have been involved in the Boy or Girl Scouts.
And he joined in the thanks being showered on his mother.
“She’s part of my heart and soul,” he explained. “I love you, Mom.”

By Dan Hust
FERNDALE — May 25, 2004 – Dozens of family and friends gathered at Granite Associates in Ferndale Sunday, May 16 to honor yet another in the growing list of Sullivan County Eagle Scouts.
Sixteen-year-old Jeffrey Stanton of Troop 96 of Liberty modestly endured accolade after accolade on stage that afternoon, receiving all the honor due someone who has achieved the highest award in Boy Scouting.
“Jeffrey, you did it all by yourself,” remarked Scoutmaster Dale VanDenberg. “You and your parents should be very, very proud.”
Citations and awards came pouring in from every direction, from Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and State Senator John Bonacic to Congressman Maurice Hinchey and Vice President Dick Cheney. Pins and even a carved eagle head were presented to Stanton, who already possesses 21 merit badges and once earned Cub Scouting’s highest honor, the Arrow of Light.
But the red, white and blue Eagle Scout neckerchief was the primary symbol of Stanton’s accomplishments, which included cleaning, mowing, painting and conducting repairs all around the SPCA in Rock Hill. He even put a billboard up advertising the animal shelter’s presence.
All that work led not only to a revitalized shelter but a new pet for the Stanton family: Roger, a bassett hound adopted from the SPCA.
Stanton’s father Tim, stepmother Denise, mother Inga Murphy and stepfather Paul Murphy were all present for the ceremony, and they were joined by Stanton’s friends and fellow Scouts.
People like Carol VanDenberg remembered when Stanton first joined the Cub Scouts in Liberty, earning various badges and learning to enjoy activities near and far – even surviving a harrowing time when a tornado came close to his Scout camp.
All along, he was engaged in service to his community.
That’s why local groups like the Elks, the American Legion and the Town of Liberty Board publicly praised Stanton Sunday.
“We like to recognize students like this,” said Army Sgt. David Bucklin. “Jeffrey, you’re definitely doing something higher than yourself.”
Stanton, maintaining that aforementioned modesty, simply thanked everyone who attended.
“I have had many people encourage and guide me in my climb to Eagle,” he said.