Scouts Hold Eagle Ceremony

On May 24, six boys from Troop 398 were awarded the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America, the Eagle Scout badge. This exciting and, for some, emotional ceremony was held at La Cañada’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

According to Scoutmaster David Van Slooten, “Many believe that being an Eagle Scout is not much worth, but only 9% of the boy scouts complete their task and accomplish their goal on receiving the award. Not only does this exemplify their hard work, but it also shows their dedication.”

Senior Dean Wyrzykowski mentioned, “I didn’t expect to be nearly as emotional as I was. There were so many memories I had forgotten over these years that made me tear up and curl in my seat. I wanted to fist-bump everyone up there with me.”

It takes a lot of effort and time to be a Boy Scout, and despite schoolwork and extracurricular activities, these boys managed to complete their tasks and be honored with such an award. They each presented a video of themselves and their Eagle projects, and afterwards, they were finally awarded with their badges.

In order to earn Eagle, they must earn multiple merit badges, like camping and first aid. They also have to plan, organize, and execute a project that employs volunteers to help the community, such as repainting a school.

Sophomore Eric Han from La Canada High School said, “ It was a really cool experience by being able to see all the other Eagle Scouts’ videos, and seeing them when they were young.”

He also mentioned how he felt very accomplished and proud because only 9% of boy scouts make it to the rank of eagle, and the fact that he was a part of the 9% made it even more special and rewarding.

Although they finally achieved their Eagle, these boys have to remember that this is not the end. They always have to be prepared and ready to help people while keeping in mind that, “Once an eagle, always an Eagle.”