Did you know that two of our Park Center seniors have been rewarded the rank of Eagle Scouts this year? An Eagle Scout is a Scout with the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 1.7 million young men. The title of "Eagle Scout" is held for life, thus giving rise to the phrase "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle." The requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout.

Jeff Merritt

Q: How many years have you been in the Boy Scouts?

I started Cub Scouts in kindergarten, then around 6th grade I went to the Boy Scouts.

Q: What is your favorite activity to do in the Boy Scouts?

I like camping, shooting, archery, climbing, cooking, playing with fire etc. There are endless possibilities.

Q: What is your least favorite thing about the Boy Scouts?

The rules, there are too many of them... restricts fun.

Q: What was your project?

I cleaned out a canoe landing area of weeds and cattails. I also spread wood chips to prevent weeds from growing back. I want to thank everyone that helped me with this project.

Q: How long did it take you to do your project?

It took about 20 hours to plan and about 6 hours to carry out.

Nik Bortolussi

Q: How many years have you been in the Boy Scouts?

Well, I started in Cub Scouts which then led me into Boy Scouts in 6th grade.

Q: What is your favorite activity to do in the Boy Scouts?

Probably the campouts... we get to go to Mt. Rushmore and do the flag ceremony for about 50,000 people. I went to Philmont, New Mexico and many other great places. And lets not forget about the shotgun range.

Q: What is your least favorite thing about the Boy Scouts?

The Hiking.... and the rules even though we had ways of getting around them :). The food too, good lord some of the food wasn’t even acceptable for "Fear Factor".

Q: What was your project?

For the project we remodeled two buildings that where on the west side of the church. The church is off of west Broadway. (EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH). Myself and a group of people put shelves in for their storage room, painted the exterior, and built landscaping. This was a project in a nut shell. There was much previous planning for the project. We had to make our own blue prints before we started building and supply our own materials and much, much more. But it was a very successful project and the church was very pleased.

Q: How long did it take you to do your project?

It took about two days. We had so many people that really know what they were doing. All of it was done and made in one day then cleaned up the next.

Both Jeff and Nik would like to thank all the people who had helped out with their projects. They worked very hard to become Eagle Scouts and the staff at Park Center is very proud of their accomplishments. We have had other Eagle Scouts this year including Mark and Philip Smith. Congratulations guys!

-Ted Henrickson, PCSH Webteam