MONTICELLO — More than 200 family, friends and community members gathered Sunday to pay tribute to three young men who have achieved the highest honor in the Boy Scouts: the Eagle Scout Badge.

The Eugene Nesin Theater in Monticello played host to what is known as the Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

Boy Scout Troop 101 of Rock Hill was proud to award:

• Alexander Bisland, 16 and the son of Kip & Sheri Bisland of Monticello

• Thomas Nola, 16 and the son of Debra Nola (mother)and nephew of Art Ramos (an assistant scoutmaster in Middletown) of Rock Hill

• William Waterton, 16 and the son of Calvin & Billie Waterton of Kiamesha Lake

All three boys began their scouting careers on the same day and same troop 10 years ago and have collectively earned 116 merit badges. They attribute their successes to their continued bond with each other and their families' support.

As part of their Eagle Scout requirement, each young man has made a contribution to better their community.

Alexander Bisland created a “Take One Leave One” free library that is available to the public. There are two locations: the park opposite the Rock Hill Trading Post and the town hall in Forestburgh.

Thomas Nola organized scouts and family members to clear the landscape with use of a brush hog (and lots of elbow grease) at St Joseph's Cemetery in Wurtsboro.

William Waterton built an outdoor toy shed to protect little ones' favorite things for the Sullivan County Head Start in Monticello. He also beautified the entrance to the facility.

Town of Thompson Supervisor Bill Rieber commended the Eagles on their outstanding accomplishments and awarded a certificate on behalf of the town. He encouraged the scouts to continue on their path while leading by example for their peers.

Rieber recalled his younger days as a scout in Troop 101, noting it was “the best troop ever.” He was personally touched by the restoration of St. Joseph's Cemetery, where his wife is buried.

The Eagle Scout also received commendations from NYS Senator John Bonacic (represented by Linda Cellini), Governor Andrew Cuomo, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, the FBI, NASA, Pope Francis and many more.

As each Eagle accepted their achievements, their thoughts rang clear.

Bisland said the most important lesson learned was “how to be a good person.” (And, of course, the joy of tipping over his friend's canoe on camp trips!)

Nola offered special thanks to his Uncle Art Ramos and Kip Bisland but singled out his mom for her love and support and “for just being Mom.”

He reflected on his early days in scouting with his father, Robert, although that treasured time was short, as Nola's dad died of a heart attack.

Waterton said he realized the importance of being an example for the younger scouts and encouraged them to continue achieving.

As the ceremony drew to a close, 79-year-old Merritt Nesin - who travelled from Connecticut to support his great nephew Alexander Bisland - recalled his childhood in scouting and subsequent leadership.

The traits he admired in these young men are perseverance and the ability to be leaders.

“Anything is possible when one has the right attitude,” Nesin noted.