By Gemard Guery – Editor-In-Chief and Editorial Editor

Two Jonathan Law students recently earned a prestigious award.

Senior JT Nelly and junior Matthew Berendt were named Eagle Scouts for their achievements within Boy Scouts.

In order to become an Eagle Scout, which is the highest distinction in scouting, students must earn at least 21 total merit badges, and serve at least six months in a youth troop leadership position. They must also be active in a troop for six months, complete a board review, participate in a Scoutmaster’s Conference, and demonstrate scout spirit.

The scouts also had to complete a service project in order to receive the distinction. 

Nelly’s project was landscaping the Plymouth building affiliated with the First United Church of Christ. He re-mulched the area, dug out and planted new bushes and flowers, sanded and repainted the railings, and trimmed the hedges. 

Berendt’s project was reroofing and painting the baseball dugouts at Wasson Field. He fundraised, got materials donated, and organized volunteers to execute the project. 

Both students have set their eyes on becoming an Eagle scout for years. They both have been a part of Boys Scouts for years with anticipation of someday becoming an Eagle Scout.

“It took me five years – I started when I was 12 when I finished Cub Scouts,” Nelly said. “I continued to work towards my Eagle Scout because I believe the knowledge I learned and retained on the way will be helpful for serving and helping others throughout the rest of my lifetime.”

As part of receiving the honor, scouts must earn badges through exhibiting proficiency in specific life and outdoor skills. The scouts are all led by their scoutmaster who guides them through their scouting journeys.

Scoutmasters are able to watch and aid in helping the boys succeed in scouting. Scoutmaster Mark Krom serves as scoutmaster for both Nelly and Berendt. 

Krom is a former Eagle Scout who’s served as a scoutmaster for over 40 years. He leads Troop 1 which has over 50 Boy Scouts.

“My favorite part is watching a shy young boy come into our troop as a new scout and watch him grow over the 8-19 years to become a fine young man,” said Krom. “I am very proud of all my scouts.”

While Eagle Scouts is an amazing accomplishment, both Nelly and Berendt can agree that being a scout comes with so many additional benefits.

“I became involved in a Robotics Club and was introduced to cross country by fellow scouts in my troop,” Berendt said. “The friendships I have made in scouting have exposed me to hobbies and interests that I never would have discovered otherwise.”