Eagles Soar

Members of Chaska Boy Scout Troop 303, chartered through Shepherd of the Hill church, have been busy working hard over the last two years. During this time, the troop has graduated six Boy Scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout. This is the highest rank Boy Scouts of America offers and only about five percent of Boy Scout members ever attain this prestigious honor. The Boy Scout mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.

The earning of 21 merit badges is required for the rank of Eagle Scout and must include First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation and Citizenship in the World, Communication, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness/Lifesaving, Environmental Science/Sustainability, Personal Management, Swimming/Hiking/Cycling, Camping, Cooking and Family Life. In addition, each of these young men led a group of scouts and adults to complete their Eagle project.

Stephen Godzak built benches that convert into tables for Shepherd of the Hill church. Stephen is now a freshman at University of Wisconsin - Stout working towards his Applied Science degree.

Ben Gaston cleared and leveled a site, and then built a shed for Eden Prairie Assembly of God Garden Committee. Ben is currently working as an intern at State Farm and attending Normandale Community College. He is currently working towards his Nursing Associates degree.

Lucas Hansen remodeled the Chaska Disc Golf Course to benefit the Chaska community. New mulch, hole directional signage and fairway cleanup for all nine holes was performed. Lucas is currently a freshman at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, double majoring in Mathematical Economics and Chemistry with a Concentration in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Development with a Minor in Statistics.

Nick Kusske created a fire pit with a custom engraved inner ring as well as a flag stone patio for Shepherd of the Hill church. Nick is currently a junior at Minnetonka High School.

Brandon Roemer built raised vegetable garden planter boxes for Shepherd of the Hill church. Brandon is now a freshman at Minnesota State University - Mankato studying Business and majoring in Marketing.

Clay Atkinson installed a 90-foot chain link fence at Guardian Angels Cemetery. It involved clearing brush, leveling the ground prior to installation, measuring and digging holes for support posts and then finally installing the chain link fence. Clay is a freshman studying Business at the University of St. Thomas.

We recognize these young men for their service to the community and for achieving the highest rank in Boy Scouts. Congratulations!