Becoming an Eagle Scout is no easy task. For a group of Mount Carmel High School students, the journey requires dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to serving their community.

Senior Andrew Stanislawski has already achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, an award that less than 10% of boy scouts earn. Meanwhile, his brother and MC peers, junior Adam Stanislawski and seniors Brandon Bautista and Sawyer Michalak, are very close to joining him at this rank. Together, these students show the leadership and hard work that Boy Scouts represent.

Through projects such as garden improvements and community organizing, these students have had an effect on the scouts around them. Their dedication not only demonstrates the values of Boy Scouts, but also serves as an inspiration for others to follow.

“Learning how to work with others has been one of the most valuable lessons,” Andrew says. “In my troop, you had to reach out to older scouts to learn and pass requirements. That skill sets you up nicely for the future.”

Andrew’s Journey to Eagle Scout included restoring benches in the Edna White Community Gardena in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood. “The benches will provide a safe space for people visiting the garden,” he explains. Despite the challenges of lots of paperwork and coordination, he emphasizes how scouting shaped his character. “The values of the Scout Law are ingrained in my head and influence my decisions.”.

Adam’s Eagle Scout project involves leading younger scouts to build garden boxes for a local preschool. This task tested his leadership skills.  “You can’t participate physically,” he explains.  “You have to direct and organize.” 

For Adam, the most rewarding experience throughout his Boy Scout journey has been feeding the homeless. “It was life changing to see how fortunate I am to have a roof over my head every day,” he says. 

Bautista’s favorite part of scouting is “making new friends and learning cool skills like camping and helping others.” His Eagle Scout project, a sock drive for people in need, showed his dedication to service. “Socks are simple but really important,” he says, saying how the project had taught him organization and planning.

Michalak found his leadership skills tested and sharpened through his project: reorganizing a church basement and building cabinets for more storage. “It gave me an understanding of how to lead properly,” he says. “It has shown me that hard work equals a neat reward.”

Scouting is more than earning merit badges or planning service projects. It is about building a foundation for life. For these students, the Boy Scouts of America have inspired personal growth. They do this by having camping trips, team activities, and challenges, and have all gained skills that go past scouting.

 Bautista believes scouting has taught him the value of preparation and adaptability. “Personal Management was my hardest badge because it required careful planning,” he notes. This approach helped him during his sock drive, where he learned how to lead a team and organize resources. Similarly, Michalak emphasizes the importance of patience, saying, “I’ve learned that staying calm and persistent pays off, even when things don’t go as planned.”

These experiences also highlight the bonds between scouts. “Camping with my troop has been a favorite activity,” says Adam Stanislawski. “It’s not just about the skills. It’s about the memories we make together.” This sense of camaraderie keeps them motivated as they go for Eagle Scout, the highest rank in scouting.

Each student credited their family, friends, and mentors for their support along the way. “They helped me a lot by encouraging me and giving advice,” Bautista says. Michalak echoes this statement, explaining the importance of having a supportive surrounding. 

Michalak says that he plans on encouraging others to join scouts to gain the same experiences and benefits that he has. For those wanting to become an Eagle Scout, Andrew offers this advice: “Get your badges done early. You don’t want to be grinding merit badges a month before your 18th birthday.”

As these students continue their journeys, their achievements show the importance of scouting values. Adam Stanislawski, Bautista, and Michalak are determined to reach the rank of Eagle Scout, and they, with Andrew Stanislawski, are already inspiring others to take on the challenge.