Pecatonica’s first Eagle Scout in Troop 5

    After earning 52 merit badges and completing all the requirements set forth by Scouts BSA, Lily Nestler advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout on Dec. 28. She is described as kind, loyal and friendly. Nestler is from Scouts BSA Troop 5, out of Pecatonica, and is their first Eagle Scout.

    After joining Scouts BSA, a member must fulfill the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class and Star, which all have their own individual requirements. Once a member completes the Star rank, they become a Life Scout and can begin working on a significant community service project to reach Eagle.

    In addition to the individual ranks, prospective Eagle Scouts must also complete 21 required merit badges. Each teaches the member a specific skill set, such as personal fitness or first aid, and has its own series of steps. Beyond these required badges, there are 117 other merit badges that members can earn.

    Eagle Scout Service Projects must benefit the community, a school, a church, or a civic organization other than the Boy Scouts of America. The scouts must show leadership to others throughout their project.

    Only about 6% of all Scouts BSA members earn Eagle, making over 2 million Eagle Scouts since 1912.

    Nestler assembled a team of family members and scouts to build five Leopold style benches for Serenity Horse Rescue in Capron. Serenity Horse Rescue is a non-profit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and finds homes for unwanted and abused horses. They also provide humane education and therapeutic equine experiences for the community. Together, Nestler and her team logged over 147 hours for the project.

In order to achieve Eagle rank, Nestler had a service project to design and complete. She and a team of family members and other scouts spent over 147 hours to build five Leopold style benches, like the one shown here, for Serenity Horse Rescue.