Scout BSA Troops in Poplar Bluff are celebrating the achievements of the five newest Eagle Scouts.
“The Eagle Scout rank is a prestigious and noteworthy accomplishment that has held a special significance since the first Boy Scouts earned their Eagle Scout Rank in 1912,” said Maddie Lasewicz, Ozark Trails and Sioux Districts executive.
The Eagle Scout award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained throughout the years, Lasewicz said. Not every child who joins a Scouts BSA troop earns the Eagle Scout rank.
Jack Funke and Law Summers from Troop 4166 passed their final Eagle Board of Review on Dec. 13. Tristan Gillihan, Blane Ray, and Carson Todd from Troop 3 also earned their Eagle Scout rank in 2021.
Funke’s Eagle project included improvements to the Poplar Bluff dog park by Clinton Park. He planted trees, built benches and spread mulch.
Summers’ Eagle project included purchasing and assembling 250 American flags that will be flown around Poplar Bluff on Memorial Day, Labor Day and the 4th of July. The Poplar Bluff VFW post helped to raise funds for the flags and will now assist with the holiday flag program.
Gillihan’s Eagle Scout project consisted of recreational improvements at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff.
Ray’s Eagle Scout project consisted of Kanell Boulevard erosion control improvements for the Poplar Bluff Department of Parks and Recreation.
Todd’s Eagle Scout project consisted of Oak Grove Elementary School playground improvements for Poplar Bluff R-I Schools.
To earn the rank of Eagle Scout, each of the young men had to fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills.
They developed a variety of skills while working toward earning the 21 necessary Merit Badges to qualify for Eagle Scout.
Each Merit Badge signifies the mastery of a certain skill and helps Scouts to increase their skills in an area of personal interest. The Scouts also had to complete a service project which pushes them to learn, develop or hone their leadership skills.
Lasewicz congratulated “these young men on their incredible accomplishment.”
Anyone interested in getting a child involved in the Scouts BSA program, or who would like to learn about volunteer opportunities, may reach Lasewicz for more information by calling 603-703-8848 or emailing madeline.lasewicz@scouting.org/