During the Janunary 8 Board of Education business meeting, Bellport High School junior Jake D’Esposito was recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

Jake, a member of Boy Scout Troop 47, worked with a team of individuals to erect a Purple Martin colony, located at Squassux Landing in Brookhaven. The Purple Martin is a bird that resembles a swallow and does not build nests in the wild. The Brookhaven community has been trying to attract these birds back to the community. While working on his project, Jake learned about the Purple Martin’s nesting habits and placement, how to attract the birds, predators, management of the colony, migration patterns, food sources and the need for human intervention.

The District congratulates Jake on this outstanding accomplishment.