River Forest Boy Scout Troop 66 hosted a Court of Honor ceremony at Grace Lutheran Church to recognize the achievements of three troop members who have achieved the rank of eagle scout. In addition to successfully earning a series of at least 21 boy scout merit badges since the fifth grade, each scout demonstrated his lifelong commitment to community service through completion of an eagle project. Prior to executing the project with the help of fellow boy scouts, a detailed eagle project plan was required for approval outlining all logistics, fundraising, staffing and implementation.
Adam Wood, son of Jeff and Claudia Wood from River Forest, is a senior at Oak Park River Forest (OPRF) High School. His eagle project was replacing a split-rail fence along the gravel path at the Trailside Museum on Thatcher Avenue. This fall Wood will be attending St. Olaf College near Minneapolis.
Tom Zyer is the son of Dave and Connie Zyer from River Forest. He led the creation and donation of 200 prayer shawls to Grace Lutheran Church and Phil’s Friends for distribution to cancer patients undergoing treatment. Currently a senior at OPRF High School, Zyer will be attending college this fall at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
Charles Strand, son of Chuck and Elizabeth Strand from River Forest, transformed a barren corner of Oak Park’s St. Giles Parish into a terraced garden with a flagstone retaining wall, bushes and flowers. After graduation from Fenwick High School, Strand will attend Creighton University in Omaha, NE in August.
“I’m so proud of these young men, their commitment to scouting, and the positive impact they’ve had on the community,” noted Diane Carioscio, Troop 66 Eagle Coach. “It’s gratifying to be part of a team of adult leaders in the troop dedicated to helping boy scouts reach their potential.”
Wood, Strand and Zyer are respectively the 84th, 85th, and 86th eagle scouts from Troop 66 since it was chartered in 1934. On average nationally, approximately three percent of boy scouts advance to the highest level to become an eagle scout.
