Scout Giuliana Avella earns rare title of 'Golden Eagle'

A Port Jefferson Station teen is flying high after her community service efforts earned her the unique recognition known to some as “Golden Eagle.”

Giuliana Avella, a senior at Comsewogue High School, recently achieved the rare feat of earning a Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of the USA and an Eagle Scout Award from Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) — both of which are the highest achievements attainable within the organizations.

Her community service included teaching environmental science to local children through a BOCES summer program in the Comsewogue School District, and spearheading an effort to crochet stuffed animals for children receiving treatment at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.

“I just enjoy knowing that something I do is helping people in my community — even if it’s the smallest thing,” said Avella, 18, who is an independent Girl Scout and a member of Boy Scout Troop 354 in Port Jefferson Station. She said she was “really motivated” to become a Golden Eagle. “I just felt like if I could help my community . . . I wanted to do it,” she said.

Avella’s environmental lessons were taught twice a week to four groups of elementary and middle schoolers in 2024. The lesson topics ranged from pollution to climate change and incorporated coloring sheets and recycling-themed games designed to teach “how their actions can impact our environment,” she said.

Meanwhile, Avella taught about a dozen friends and fellow scouts to crochet, while also recruiting two local crochet groups to create and donate stuffed animals. More than 100 stuffed animals ranging from dinosaurs to dogs were delivered to the children’s hospital in December, she said.

The idea stemmed from seeing her father, Patrick, in and out of the hospital before he died in 2018.

“I saw he was very lonely in the hospital, so I could only imagine how kids were feeling,” Avella recalled. “I decided to try to bring them a bit of comfort and hope by crocheting a little something to make them happier.”

One patient who benefited was Adeline Smith, 92, of Commack. Smith underwent treatment at Stony Brook University Hospital due to organ failure after contracting MRSA before she died in January. Smith’s daughter, Ilene Smith, said a nurse gave her mother a stuffed turtle created by Avella that had been brought to the main hospital.

“My mother ended up being in the hospital for nearly three weeks and, as she moved from room to room, the turtle was always with her,” Ilene Smith said. “Somehow this small gift made her smile and gave her some comfort.”

Nominate a Long Islander who goes above and beyond or serves as an inspiration to their community. Send details and photograph to Michael Ebert, michael.ebert@newsday.com (photos should be high-resolution). Photos may be used in other publications affiliated with Newsday.

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.