2013 -- S 0482

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LC01856

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2013

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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING CHRISTOPHER W. BURKE ON ATTAINING THE

RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT

     Introduced By: Senator V. Susan Sosnowski

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2013

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

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     WHEREAS, Not every boy, nor even every Scout, qualifies for the high rank of Eagle.

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Strenuous physical hurdles, high mental requirements, strong personal character, indomitable

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spirit, and a commitment to community service are a rare combination of qualities and

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achievements to find in one person. Christopher W. Burke is just such an extraordinary young

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man, and his accomplishments are truly worthy and deserving of our recognition and praise; and

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     WHEREAS, Christopher began his scouting experience as a Tiger Scout. Shortly after

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joining Boy Scout Troop 1, Kingston, Rhode Island, he quickly advanced through the ranks.

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Using his skills and abilities for the common good, Christopher earned the required number of

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merit badges. Through perseverance and determination, he has attained the highest rank in

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scouting, the Eagle, by meeting all the extensive requirements; and

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     WHEREAS, Christopher’s Eagle Project was to take on the challenge of organizing and

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planning the construction of an outdoor pergola located at the South Kingstown Police and

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Rescue Station. This project consisted of clearing the front of the station and then installing a

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granite memorial and a flagpole surrounded by attractive landscaping. The pergola provides

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shade and sanctuary for the police officers, who can now enjoy having lunch outdoors.

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Christopher and fellow scouts devoted countless hours and an amazing amount of energy carrying

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out his project for the enjoyment of the men and women who protect and serve the Town of South

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Kingstown; and

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     WHEREAS, In addition to completing the necessary requirements for his Eagle Badge,

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Christopher received his Coast Guard Boater's license at the age of fourteen, and has enjoyed

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spending numerous summers at Yawgoog Boy Scout Camp and snowboarding weekends in New

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Hampshire. His most memorable scouting event was at the National High Adventure Sea Base in

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Key West, Florida. While at the Sea Base Camp, the scouts paddled miles out to a desolate

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island, slept under the stars in between poisonous trees and mosquitoes, cooked their own meals,

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and snorkeled in crystal blue water; and

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     WHEREAS, A senior at South Kingstown High School, Christopher enjoys customizing

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saltwater aquariums and designing and building special LED lighting for corals. After graduation,

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he plans to attend college to pursue a degree in business and marine biology; and

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     WHEREAS, Christopher W. Burke upholds the dignity and virtue of a true Eagle, and

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has proven himself to be worthy of trust and a truly dynamic leader; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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hereby honors Christopher W. Burke on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Convinced that

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Christopher’s distinguished career in Scouting will prepare him for a life replete with

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accomplishments and success, we are certain that he will continue to dedicate a large part of that

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life to the service of others. We extend our best wishes for good health and happiness to

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Christopher at his Eagle Court of Honor, and in the months and years ahead; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Eagle Scout Christopher W. Burke.

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