Marlboro Resident Gets Eagle Scout Honors

Marlboro's Joe Vitale is officially becoming an Eagle Scout, after helping to build a school in a Guatemalan village.

Vitale's journey to his Eagle Scout badge began in 2007, during a trip he took with his family in 2007 to Guatemala, where he said he was inspired meeting local children. Their school, he said, was more like a shack. 

"They had no seats or surfaces to write on, only the dirt floor. Later, during the tour, we were able to hand out school supplies, clothing and shoes," Vitale said. "We didn’t have enough for all of the children and it broke my heart."

So Vitale took action, and now he has an entire school to show for it. On Saturday, Vitale will receive the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout in a ceremony at Bella Vista Country Club.

Vitale's mother lived in Guatemala until age 12, and his great grandmother was a teacher for indigenous Mayans in the area. For Vitale, the roots are deep, and his Eagle Scout project would strive to help an impoverished area while honoring his family.

"This journey has enlightened and given me compassion that I have never imagined," Vitale said. "I will always be connected to each child and hope to help them further throughout my life."