Eagle Scouts to be honored Friday

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Image: Russell Valentin the 2011 Eagle Class Representative (courtesy of the Valentin family).

Updated: March 7, 2012 8:04AM

ST. CHARLES — The highest honor bestowed upon a Scout is that of Eagle Scout. It’s a rank achieved after years of commitment to the Scouting program and a lifetime devoted to the values detailed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

The Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council will recognize the 2011 Eagle class at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, at the Lisle Wyndham. A total of 342 young men who earned Scouting’s highest rank of Eagle Scout last year will be honored with a ceremony and banquet. These Eagle Scouts from DuPage, Kane, Kendall, DeKalb and parts of Cook and Will counties will be commended for their achievements.

The Eagle dinner’s Title Sponsor is the McCormick Foundation, whose mission it is to support children, our nation and its communities. Several Eagle alumni are supporting representatives. Dr. Robert Parker, Eagle Scout, M.D., M.B.A., FACP, CPE, has more than 25 years of experience as a practicing internist, educator and managed care/group practice administrator; he will be the event’s honorary speaker.

Scouts will also hear from one of their peers. Eagle Scout Russell Valentin, a senior at Wheaton Warrenville South High School from Troop 23 in Chanonee District, has been selected to be the 2011 Class Representative and will address attendees as part of the night’s proceedings.

To attain the rank of Eagle, a Scout must maintain participation in his troop after reaching the Life Scout rank, earn at least 21 merit badges, and provide recommendations from others that detail how the Scout lives out the Scout Oath and Scout Law in his actions each day. In addition, a Scout must also serve his troop in a leadership position for a minimum of six months as well as plan and execute a project that benefits his community, all before the Scout’s 18th birthday.

For more information, visit www.threefirescouncil.org or www.BeAScout.org