Only 4% of Boy Scouts ever earn the rank of Eagle Scout. The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest and most prestigious rank in Boy Scouts. Within the past month, there have been six young men who have achieved the rank of Eagle here in New Ulm. There are five from Public and one from Cathedral. The following are the Eagle Scouts from Public: Senior Andrew Blumhoefer, Junior Connor Drill, Senior Dan Lindquist, Senior Tony Rosenhamer, and Senior Kelby Stocker. The Eagle Scout from Cathedral is Junior Truman Pippert. There were two Eagle Ceremonies: one for Juniors Connor and Truman, the other for Seniors Andrew, Kelby, Tony, and Dan.

Eagle Scouts Andrew Blumhoefer (left), Kelby Stocker (left middle), Tony Rosenhamer (right middle), and Dan Lindquist (right) at their Eagle ceremony

I interviewed the new Eagle Scouts and asked a few questions regarding their thoughts and experiences with Boy Scouts and now Eagle Scout.

I asked Andrew Blumhoefer how receiving the rank of Eagle makes him feel. He responded saying that it humbles him knowing many community members and associations helped him complete his Eagle Project and in turn improve upon the city of New Ulm. He also said that the process was a great experience because of all of the planning involved and seeing a final product after many years of working toward a goal. Andrew’s Eagle Project involved the planning, construction, and placement of five little libraries around the city of New Ulm. These little libraries provide easier access to books for the community. His Eagle project took a total of about one-hundred and thirty six hours all said and done. When asked about his favorite campout in Boy Scouts, Andrew said it would have to be the Philmont backpacking trip in New Mexico. It involved hiking and camping for two weeks and a ton of fun activities.

When Dan Lindquist was asked how earning the rank of Eagle makes him feel, he said it makes him feel accomplished. Dan’s Eagle project was repainting and doing maintenance on the Izaak Walton League’s Lodge. His project took about one-hundred and twenty total hours to complete and about two weeks time. Dan said that his favorite campouts were Cedar Point and Camp Norseland. Each campout was about two days long and packed with things to do and skills to learn. Dan thinks that becoming an Eagle Scout will help him in the future by proving to others that he can be trusted with important matters.

Tony Rosenhamer said that receiving his Eagle Scout makes him feel very accomplished and proud of the work he has done. His Eagle Project was Building and installing raised beds and a pollinator garden at Washington Leaning Center. He spent about one-hundred and ten hours on his Eagle Project to fully complete it from start to finish. Tony believes that being in Boy Scouts was extremely beneficial to him. He said that it has taught him many different life skills and has prepared him for the future.

Connor Drill feels proud, honored, and happy that he has received his Eagle after years of hard work. Connor’s Eagle project was building the aluminum picnic tables at the Herman monument. He estimates that his project took roughly 15 hours total to complete. His favorite campout and memory in Boy Scouts was Camp Cuyuna because of the merit badge earning opportunities and all of the activities. Connor found Boy Scouts very beneficial and plans on having his future kids go through it and get their Eagle Scouts. Connor said that receiving his Eagle Scout has changes his perspective on the world in a good way. Connor closed the interview by saying that it was an honor to go through scouting with these fellow Eagles and everybody else as well.

Unfortunately I did not get a chance to interview Truman Pippert but he also worked very hard in achieving the rank of Eagle. We are all very proud of all of their accomplishments and are excited to see what the future holds for them.