Kevin Loitz Achieves Eagle Scout Rank

Post date: Jan 27, 2014 9:52:24 PM

SYCAMORE – Kevin Loitz, a member of BSA Troop 2810 chartered at Salem Lutheran Church, was recently awarded the Eagle Rank, the highest award achievable in Boy Scouts. Currently a Sycamore High School Junior, Kevin received this high honor just after his 16th Sycamore.

Kevin began his scouting journey the summer going into First grade with Cub Scout’s Pack 102 chartered by Southeast Elementary School. He earned all five Cub Scout ranks and the Arrow of Light, the highest award given in Cub Scouts. He then crossed over and continued with Boy Scouts Troop 2, and later transferred to Troop 2810. There Kevin attended numerous summer camps, earned 22 merit badges, held various leadership positions, enjoyed numerous camp outs, and created a unique community service project along his 10 year trail to Eagle. He also experienced a high-adventure trip trekking 55 miles in the back country of Alaska last summer with Venture Crew 101.

Kevin’s year-long Eagle Project, “Instruments For Children”, collected unwanted/unused instruments from the community, refurbished and cleaned them, and donated a total of 55 instruments to the Sycamore School District Music Department to be loaned to students who cannot afford to rent an instrument. Kevin comments, “I am glad to be able to help other students have the opportunity to learn and experience playing an instrument, so they can hopefully enjoy playing music as much as I do.”

To achieve the Eagle rank, each scout must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, remain active in their troop, live by the Principals of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, complete a service project, and participate in an Eagle Board of Review with all requirements being completed before their 18th percent of all Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle. This prestigious award is recognized by colleges, the workforce, and all branches of the armed forces

Kevin’s formal Eagle Ceremony was held at Sycamore United Methodist Church and included the presentation of the Eagle scout, guest speakers State Representative Bob Pritchard and Sycamore School District Music Department Chair Scott Mertens, the special presentation of the Eagle Scout Medal, Eagle Scout Badge, Mother’s Pin (representing her behind-the-scenes assistance, patience, and support), Father’s Pin (representing his endless wisdom, guidance, and support), and a Mentor’s Pin (representing someone who was special to them and made an impact or impression during their scouting experience). Kevin comments, “I am very excited to receive my Eagle rank. It is very meaningful to me to be an Eagle Scout. I am happy to have accomplished my goal set over 10 years ago, and thankful that this has opened up many future opportunities for me. Scouting has built a good foundation for the rest of my life. I am very thankful to all my parents, family, friends, scout leaders and fellow scouts, and everyone who has helped along this scouting journey.”

Kevin plans to remain active in scouting, with both Troop 2810 and the Venture Crew, and looks forward to additional high-adventure trips in the future.