Polk Township supervisors recognized the work and statewide recognition of Eagle Scout Claudio Stabile and Boy Scout Troop 102 during their meeting on Monday.

Stabile and Troop 102 will receive the Statewide Community Service Award for Park Improvements at the PSATS 2025 Annual Educational Conference and Exhibit Show in Hershey. The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors conference will be held May 4 to 7.

The award is being given in recognition of Stabile’s Eagle Scout project, which was the creation of a community astronomy observatory at the Polk Township North Field Park. This work was completed with the help of members of Troop 102.

According to Stephen Miskin, a spokesperson for PSATS, “more than a dozen Scouts, and teen and adult leaders worked with the township to draft plans for the project, fundraise, and ultimately complete the work ... Upon completion, a Grand Opening Star Party and overnight camp out were held.”

Stabile said in a press release, “Astronomy in the Community continues to benefit the residents of Polk Township and the surrounding areas by providing access to high quality astronomical equipment, a naturally dark sky, and guided viewing of celestial objects from knowledgeable volunteers through regular star parties (usually monthly if weather permits). Each event attracts approximately 20 to 50 participants.”

Stabile said the astronomy group has 283 Facebook followers and continues to grow. His father has hosted Astronomy Merit Badge sessions for the Boy Scouts, and they have provided free telescope lessons to people interested in astronomy.

PSATS awarded Stabile and Troop 102 with a $500 cash prize and a framed certificate.

Kristine Porter contributed to this story.