Tristan Locke: Scouts taught me that: “Fitting in” isn’t everything.

For almost four years, senior Tristan Locke ceased working toward his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout. After completing all the requirements in middle school, Locke became too busy in high school to finish what he had started when he joined Cubs Scouts in third grade.

“It wasn’t until this summer that I realized that I would regret not completing the requirements needed to achieve this accomplishment,” Locke said.

After deciding he wanted to pursue the ultimate award, Locke set forth to find an idea.

“I wanted to leave a piece of myself behind, and give back to the school that has given me so much,” Locke said. “[Principal Mr. Roberts] specifically requested the construction of a bench somewhere around the school, and I decided that this would be an appropriate project.”

Although his original plan was to build multiple benches and fix up the courtyard, Locke settled on the one bench but came across some problems.

Since Blue Valley regulations require that any external structures at the school cannot be composed of naturally deteriorating materials,nstead of using traditional wood, I had to use a composite alternative that is composed of mainly recycled plastic.”

Finally, after putting in 88 hours of working, planning and constructing the bench, Locke had completed what he had set out to do so many years before. However, the Eagle Scout award was more than just an added “fluff” for Locke’s resume, but instead a lasting impact to Locke’s view on the world.

“Eagle Scouts share a common set of values and upon meeting an Eagle Scout, one can usually trust that he is a good-hearted, genuine individual,” Locke said. “I feel that there is a certain respect that comes with the title of an Eagle Scout.”

While the scouting program prides itself on teaching common traits of accepting everyone, the Boy Scouts are viewed as a program that teaches useless skills and are deemed as being nerdy.

“I feel that it is often socially burdensome for boys to be involved with scouting,” Locke said. “Especially during middle school, I witnessed many boys abandon scouting because of the ridicule they received from others.”

However, Locke saw past the names and the judgement and continued on with his endeavours.

“When I was younger and more insecure, I hid the fact that I was involved with scouting for several years because I was unsure of how that knowledge would be perceived by others,” Locke said. “As I matured I realized how ridiculous this fear was, and I learned to be proud of my involvement with scouts.”

Although not a badge that scouts can earn, the lesson Locke took away from the Scout program was that sometimes doing what one loves isn’t always ‘cool.’

“I would encourage everyone else to realize that scouts are composed of normal, good people that have great character and care for the younger and weaker,” Locke said. “I hope that the future scouts are not deterred from pursuing their scouting goals because of a stigma that exists against scouts. The lessons in scouting are too great to lose and they should not be overshadowed by concerns about popularity or ‘fitting in’.”

Jake Rickert: Scouts taught me that “you can’t do it alone”

While society views the Boy Scouts of America as a bunch of kids who sit around and discuss how to tie a knot or safety survival skills, freshman Jake Rickert doesn’t agree.

“Being a Boy Scout doesn’t just mean camping and earning badges,” Rickert said. “It means being prepared for every outcome and helping others whether they need it or not.”

His passion to serve others has led him to the Eagle Scout award. His simple interest in the scouting program began in 2009, and now Rickert takes the program to heart.

“I decided to go for the Eagle Scout rank because I can feel good about what I have done for the community,” Rickert said.

While every project must include a lasting impact, Rickert chose to put up a news board in his church where his troop holds meetings.

Although his board will reflect his own dedication and hard work to the scouting program, just like life itself, Rickert wasn’t able to do this alone. Through the Eagle Scout process and Boy Scouts itself, Rickert took away a lesson much larger than how to tie a knot.

“I have learned that you can not do most things alone,” Rickert said. “You need trustworthy friends and family to help guide you along the right path.”

Corrine Rolfs: Scouts taught me that “you can make a difference”

In 4th grade, junior Corrine Rolfs joined Troop 625 to get involved with the community. After a brief hiatus, Rolfs rejoined before her freshman year, and even though the troop number had changed, her end goal remained the same. Her journey as a Girl Scout has led her to come within reach of achieving the highest award for the scouts — the Gold Award.

“I really value the structure scouts gives me and the community service that the program encourages,” Rolfs said. “Being a part of such a community is really uplifting, and I really enjoy the company of my fellow troop members.”

However, first Rolfs must come up with a community project idea, and then once she has decided on a project, she has to submit the idea to the board to be approved.

“The project must be lasting and important to the community,” Rolfs said. “The biggest thing that I questioned in achieving the Gold Award is the receiver’s purpose. The project that I complete must mean something to me.”

Although the steps Rolfs has to take in order to finally get her award is a long process, the meaning behind the project is more impactful.

“I decided to start this because I really want to put all my effort toward making a difference in the community,” Rolfs said. “I feel my experience will benefit my view of the community and give me insight into how it functions.”

Rolfs is still in the beginning stages, but is leaning toward starting an electronic recycling drive.

“The Gold Award ultimately demonstrates the commitment, effort and sacrifice that a lifetime Girl Scout has put forth in order to help better her surroundings,” Rolfs said.