Anya Tikka | Democrat The Corcoran family gathered proudly around Jesse after the award presentation. From left, parents Jim and Jean, Jesse, and grandparents Mary Jane and Jesse Haley.

A (rare) rare honor for local Eagle Scout

Story by Anya Tikka
ELDRED — September 6, 2013 — The American Legion honored Sullivan County’s first ever New York State American Legion Eagle Scout Award winner in a ceremony held August 11 at the American Legion Ambulance Corps headquarters in Eldred.
Jesse Corcoran, 18, of Eldred, a recent Eldred High School graduate, won the award over many applicants.
The award was first presented on his behalf to Sullivan County American Legion Adjutant Al Etkin of Rock Hill at the Legion’s annual state convention in Niagara Falls July 18. Jesse could not attend due to a conflict with a pre-arranged college orientation visit to Johnson and Wales College in Providence where he’s going to learn Culinary Arts and Entrepreneurship.
The presentation in Eldred was made by Etkin, the former Director of the Sullivan County Veterans Service Agency, at the American Legion’s county meeting.
The speakers reminded everyone that it is a very prestigious award, because only five percent of scouts in the United States receive Eagle Scout rank, and Jesse’s achievement goes beyond that. The winner is the first in Sullivan County, Etkin said, or at least as far back as records reach.
Etkin read the Citation of Honor, and presented Jesse with a check for $2,000.
Sullivan County Legislator Kathy LaBuda read the County Legislature Recognition for Jesse, and wished him well.
According to Jesse, Ambulance Corps Captain Charles Myers of the local Legion recommended that he put in an application. Jesse also did work for another veteran’s organization.
Beaming parents Jean and Jim came to the award ceremony along with grandma Mary Jane Haley and grandpa Jesse Haley. They all said they were very proud of Jesse.
Nobody in the family has been an Eagle Scout, although Jesse’s grandfather (also called Jesse) was in the American Legion.
Jesse’s mom Jean described her reactions when finding out about the award.
“We were surprised because it’s very competitive.”
Dad Jim commented, “He earned it. He did a lot of work for this organization and for the vets of Sullivan County.”
Jesse was a member of Glen Spey Troop 102, where he earned his Eagle Scout rank. He thanked everyone for their support.