The Eagle Scout Award is the highest and most coveted award in all scouting –– the last major step in the advancement program for a Boy Scout.
However, this award is earned by only five percent of the Boy Scouts of America. Only 1.7 million scouts have earned their Eagle since 1912.
These facts make it more even unusual that four young men from Maryville's Troop 74 recently earned their Eagle Scout Award. Trevor Henggeler, Steven Scheffe, Nick Rasmussen and Jeremy Barmann were honored at a Court of Honor after Senior Recognition Mass on Sunday, April 27 at St. Gregory Catholic Church.
Mark Schieber, who has been Scout Master for Troop 74 five years, said the four new Eagle Scouts started their journey in scouting as Tiger Cubs and have been active since that time.
“It is quite an accomplishment for us to have four young men receive their Eagle Scout at one time,” Schieber said. “Less than five percent of the scouts actually achieve this level of scouting –– that's only one percent of the young men in the United States.”
Schieber said when it comes to the actual Eagle Scout projects, he is only there as a coach in the beginning –– the development of the projects is up to the scouts.
Each of these young men planned, developed and gave leadership to others in a service project for a religious institution, a school or somewhere in the community. The Eagle Scout project had to be completed before the young men turned 18-years old.
Jeremy Barmann said he had gone camping several times at Bilby Ranch with his scout troop. When looking for an Eagle project, these camp-outs drew Barmann back to Bilby.
“I talked to the Conservation Department and asked about things I could do out there,” Barmnn said. “I took down an old fence, trimmed the trees and picked up brush –– basically I cleaned up the area. It took me a little over a week.”
Barmann said completing the project gave him a sense of pride.
“Not everyone gets their Eagle –– actually, a very small percent get it,” he said. “I want to continue to support my younger brother, Josh.”
Trevor Henggeler completed a flower garden at Judah Park in Maryville, which took approximately 25 days. He pulled weeds, tilled the soil, planted flowers and laid cedar mulch.
“My project will be of benefit because this area has been an eye-sore at the park for years,” Henggeler said. “The person who used to maintain the area became sick and couldn't take care of the plants so the flower garden became overgrown with weeds and grass.”
The flower garden is located next to a park shelter that is used by the community for family dinners, meetings and other things. There is also a walking path that runs through the park leading past the flower garden.
“By renovating the area, it will make the park more inviting,” he said.
Henggeler had help from his father, and other willing volunteers.
Steven Scheffe and Nick Rasmussen teamed up on their Eagle project, which involved major landscaping at St. Gregory's Church.
Two full-grown trees were removed close to the entrance of the church and replaced with two younger, flowering trees. A windsor wall and patio floor were constructed and the exposed walls were painted to match the surroundings.
“I am taking the task off the hands of the church,” Scheffe said. “The church had been planning to take on this project for a while. The landscaping was slowly deteriorating.”
Scheffe and Rasmussen received donations to cover the cost of materials needed to complete the project, which they started on June 1, 2007 and completed Sept. 23, 2007.
“I took on this project as a partnership with Nick Rasmussen,” Scheffe said. “Other project helpers included our immediate family members, some close friends, Ed Welch who will be aiding in the removal of the trees and Pete Walter who will be helping secure the concrete foundation.”
Janet Scheffe, Steven's mother, said they are very proud of Steven and all the boys who have received their Eagle Scout.
“These boys are so deserving of this award,” she said. “They show great leadership  in all they do.”
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There are six requirements to become an Eagle Scout:
• Activity in a troop for six months after becoming a Life Scout.
• Live by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law.
• Earn 21 merit badges.
• Serve in a position of responsibility.
• Plan, develop and give leadership to others in a service project.
• Give a statement of their ambitions and life purpose.