03/18/2026
Congratulations Gabriella C**ns!
🏅Congratulations to Taconic Hills Student Gabriella C**ns on earning the rank of Eagle Scout!
Gabriella has earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, a milestone achieved by only 2% of all Scouts in Scouting America. She also holds the distinction of being the first female in Columbia County to achieve the Eagle Scout rank.
The Eagle Scout rank represents strength of character, extensive Scouting knowledge, leadership, and a deep respect for community and country. While the average age of an Eagle Scout is 17, Gabriella accomplished this extraordinary feat at just 14 years old.
To achieve Eagle Scout status, a Scout must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges. Gabriella far exceeded that requirement, earning 84 merit badges in total. Her badges span diverse areas, including programming, robotics, lifesaving, shotgun, and wilderness survival.
Sheriff Jacqueline Salvatore participated in a special Eagle Court of Honor ceremony on Saturday, celebrating Gabriella’s achievement alongside her peers, troop members, family, mentors, and distinguished guests.
“Milestones like this matter because they send a powerful message and open doors for the next generation,” Sheriff Salvatore said. “Gabriella has set an incredible example. This accomplishment reflects her hard work and is a symbol of what is possible when determination meets opportunity.”
Gabriella exemplifies the very best of her community. She is a youth volunteer with the Taghkanic Volunteer Fire Company and an active member of the Future Farmers of America. In 2025, as a Cadet Second Lieutenant, she received the Air Force Sergeants Association Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award for embodying the highest ideals of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program.
Throughout it all, Gabriella has maintained high academic honors and was recognized as one of the top 10 students in her grade for GPA.
Her Eagle Scout service project involved installing a gazebo and prayer space to honor local veterans at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Copake Falls. During the fundraising phase, she raised over $12,800 from local residents and businesses, demonstrating remarkable leadership, initiative, and community commitment.
Gabriella has also earned numerous other Scouting recognitions, including the Arrow of Light, Order of the Arrow, World Conservation Award, God and Me Award, National Outdoor Award, Camping Achievement, Paul Bunyan Woodsman Award, and Recruiter Award.
We are incredibly proud of Gabriella’s discipline, intelligence, and work ethic. She is a shining example of Columbia County pride and a trailblazer for young women in Scouting, and we look forward to seeing all the remarkable accomplishments ahead of her.
