Families Come out to Honor Eagle Scouts

It isn’t always simple raising a child today. There are many temptations and indulgences that can potentially corrupt and destroy our youth. But among the programs that has helped to mold girls and boys into wonderful adults is scouting.

The important role scouting plays in a child’s race to maturity was apparent Friday night when 343 boys from the Three Fires Council, which includes , were recognized for earning Eagle Scout awards—the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program.

The Three Fires Council Eagle Scout Association Chapter is a fellowship of men who have attained Eagle Scout ranks and want to continue to live by the Scout Oath and Law, according to council documents.

"Our members serve as an example to the (more than) 37,000 scouts in the Three Fires Council not for personal recognition, but for their sense of duty to others,” it stated.

Requirements for receiving the lifelong title include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating scout spirit by observing the Boy Scout Oath and Law. It also includes providing community service while displaying leadership skills.

Eagle Scouts complete a service project that they have to plan, organize and lead. Many times, they also manage a group of volunteers to complete projects, which typically benefit a nonprofit organization in their community.

“The project has to have a minimum of 100 man hours of service,” said Joey Marineau, of Naperville, who was one of the scouts honored that night. “We built a brick walkway at the in Naperville to make the patio handicapped accessible.”

Marineau, a junior at Metea Valley High School, came up with the idea for the project and then had to “sell” it to members of a church council who provided the funding. He also kept all his helpers in line and on task until the project was done.

Paul Berkowicz, also of Naperville, said his project took more than 300 hours to complete.

“The music director at was looking for a solution to organize his students’ music and binders,” Berkowicz said. “It was an organizational and safety issue when the binders fell all over the floor. They were building a new music room and they didn’t have a large budget so the oak cabinet we made and donated helped them accomplish their goals."

The cabinet, which was 6 feet by 6 feet, consisted of two separate sections that could be used together or apart, he said.

The ideas for the service projects spotlighted on Friday were as varied as the scouts themselves.

Matthew Higgs organized a food drive that benefited area pantries. A student at Marmion Academy in Aurora, he is the son of Tim and Linda Higgs.

“We are very proud of our son, Matthew, and the leadership he has shown, not only in his Eagle project, but as a leader in his troop,” his mother said at the ceremony.  “He showed great initiative and dedication in working with all the sponsors of his project."

The theme of the evening seemed to be how the scouts have matured from the experiences.

“To watch a young man grow and develop, and display strong characteristics such as leadership and trustworthiness, is ... wonderful ...” said Naperville resident Julie Berkowicz, whose son, Paul, was honored that night. “It is fulfilling to see a young boy grow into a young man ... He becomes more independent and capable each day."

Paul said earning the Eagle rank is a great accomplishment and something his family takes pride in.

" ... Once you become Eagle you are always an Eagle Scout and you join the ranks of Eagles everywhere,” Paul said. “It meant a lot, not only to me, but to my friends and family ... ”

The room was filled with parents glowing with pride for their sons, their accomplishments and the men they have become.

“We believe that participation in scouting has helped mold his character and taught him so many valuable skills," said Steve Paschal, who along with his wife, Patty, applauded for their son Dan, a junior a . "Along the way, Dan has participated in hiking, canoeing, camping, shooting and rock climbing, so he has had lots of fun along the way."