COPAKE — Gabriella Coons, 14, was out to beat her older brother when she became the first girl in Columbia County, New York, to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
Coons said her brother’s merit badge sash hung on the wall at her home. “I would look at it and say ‘I want to do that, and I want to beat my brother,’” she said. “So, I did.”
The Copake native got into Scouting America, the organization formerly known as Boy Scouts of America, immediately after the group opened membership to girls in 2018.
Coons joined the Cub Scouts then, working through the ranks to join Scouts BSA just two years ago at 12 years old. In that time, she’s earned 81 merit badges and reached the top of the ranks with plans to earn all 141 badges.
To earn the rank of Eagle Scout, scouts are required to conceive and direct a community service project. The efforts have to be large-scale, and they usually require a long timeline. Coons said her project fit that trend.
Coons decided to lead the construction of a memorial gazebo in honor of U.S. veterans. Originally, she planned to build the structure on an empty lot in Copake, but she hit an obstacle when town officials said the plan required New York Department of Environmental Conservation review due to its proximity to a nearby stream.
Coons had to seek more money to cover the costs of the environmental review, but that wasn’t the final hurdle.
The approval was further delayed because town zoning code classifies a gazebo as an “auxiliary structure.”
“Someone said ‘There’s no primary structure,’” Coons said. “To have an auxiliary structure you need to have a primary structure.”
So Coons went in search of another location, leading her to Our Lady of Hope parish in Copake Falls on Route 22. She said she’s satisfied with the final result, despite the months of meetings and surprise obstacles.
“It’s a prayer garden for fallen soldiers,” Coons said. “So I feel it’s a good placement.”
Scouting is just one of Coons’s pursuits. She’s also a member of her local FFA chapter and a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the civilian arm of the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary that, among other things, teaches leadership and piloting skills to students K-12.
Coons’s mom, Natasha, said her daughter’s enterprising attitude made her proud.
“We sign up for one thing, she signs up for ten,” Natasha said. “She’s very impressive.”
Amenia voters fill out their ballots at Church of Immaculate Conception. Voters weighed in on a variety of high-profile positions, including governor and attorney general.Photo by Graham Corrigan
Eric Alexander, back right, watches voting results for his County Legislator race alongside his staff and fellow Dutchess Democrats. Alexander retained his seat, defeating challenger Stefanie Hubert by 440 votes. Photo by Graham Corrigan
Amenia's polling location is Church of Immaculate Conception on Lavalle Road.Photo by Graham Corrigan
Dave Jones, owner and chief mechanic at Lakeville Auto. Laurie Fendrich
