Suffern honors Eagle Scouts, accepts $20,000 bullet aid and recognizes student fundraiser that raised $40,000

The Suffern Central School District Board of Education accepted a $20,000 state "bullet aid" check from State Assemblyman Carl Brabernack and held a recognition ceremony for student service projects and a major student fundraising effort at its June 16 meeting.

Assemblyman Carl Brabernack presented the check and described bullet aid as an annual discretionary allocation legislators can direct to school districts or libraries. "I am very very proud to present tonight a bullet aid check for Suffern Central for $20,000," he said. Superintendent Gunderson told the assemblyman the funds would help with district cash‑flow and projects.

The board recognized four Eagle Scouts and their projects: Ben Courtourtney rebuilt the back deck at American Legion Post 859 (the project included demolition, Belgian block and a concrete pour; Ben reported about 30 volunteers and roughly 260 volunteer hours), Brandon Marusk built a 10‑board story walk at the district library intended for children's programming, Taran McCarter installed a new sign and lifeguard cubbies at the Slotzburg village pool with 10–15 volunteers, and Matthew Poser constructed a 9/11 memorial at Ramapo Town Hall, reporting about 215 hours of work.

Superintendent Gunderson also introduced an audio presentation from the area director of the New York State School Boards Association recognizing the district's "Night to Nourish" student fundraiser. The audio said the high school group raised $40,000 for the community food pantry and presented a "culture of caring" plaque to the district. Board members praised the students and volunteers for connecting school programs to community needs.

No formal board action was required for the recognitions; the awards and the donation were presented as part of the superintendent's report and ceremonial agenda items.