Adult Scout Leader of the Year
2014 Honoree of the Queens Federation of Churches

Anthony Zalak

Anthony joined scouting in 1989 as a Cub Scout in Pack 106, Middle Village. He started as a Bobcat and graduated as a Webelo with the Arrow of Light.

He continued on into Boy Scout Troop 106 and earned the Eagle Scout Award in 1997. While in Boy Scouts, he was elected into the Order of the Arrow and became a Vigil Honor Member in 1999. He held various troop positions from Librarian, Patrol Leader, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, to Assistant Scoutmaster, a position he still holds. He is also currently a Tiger Cub Leader and a Pack Trainer. As an Order of the Arrow member, Anthony served as a Chapter Secretary, two-term Chapter Chief, Associate Lodge Adviser, and Chapter Adviser. In 2001, for his service and dedication, Anthony was awarded the Advisor of the Year award. In 2005 he was the recipient of the Founder’s Award.

Anthony graduated from St. Francis College in 2002 with a B.A. Degree in Social Studies, and a minor in Education. He began working for the New York City Department of Education in 2002, and is currently a third grade teacher in Brooklyn. Anthony earned a master’s degree in education from Mercy College in 2007.

Anthony joined Our Lady of Hope Parish when he was born in 1979. In 1988 he became an altar boy and served until 1993. In 1996 Anthony became a fourth grade religious education teacher, a position that he still holds at present. In 2006, Anthony received a ten year service award from the Diocese of Brooklyn. Anthony is a member of the Parish Council.

In 1999 Anthony became a member of the pathfinder district committee. He currently serves as a member of the activities committee, is the district camping chair, and a unit commissioner. He received the District Award of Merit in 2006 and the Silver Beaver in 2007. He also serves as a member of the Queens activities committee and is currently a charter member of the Queens Council Heritage Society.

In 2003 Anthony joined the Ten Mile River Camp Aquehonga staff as a program commissioner. In 2005, he was awarded super staff man by his fellow staff members. Currently, Anthony is the director for Camp Aquehonga, and serves as a member of the GNYC camping Committee.

Anthony became a member of the Catholic Committee on Scouting in 2004. Through this organization he assists in promoting Catholic Scouting in Queens. In 2007, Anthony along with his father Henry, was awarded the Bronze Pelican for his efforts. He was also awarded the St. George medal in 2008. He is the chairman for the annual catholic scout retreat.

Outside of scouting and his church, Anthony is involved in numerous activities. He is a board member of the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society, and Vice-President of the Pullis Farm Historical Landmark of the NYC Department of Parks.