Downers Grove boys attain Eagle Scout rank

Two members of Boy Scout Troop 57 – Nathan Kerr and Dillon Kohls – celebrated achieving the rank of Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor ceremony July 18 at the Downers Grove American Legion Post 80.

Kerr and Kohls began scouting together in Cub Scout Pack 57 while attending Hillcrest School in Downers Grove. Kerr, a recent graduate of Downers Grove North High School, will attend Lewis University in the fall. Kohls, a recent graduate of Downers Grove South High School, will attend Iowa State University.

As part of their path to the rank of Eagle Scout, each was required to participate in a lengthy review process that included conducting a special Eagle project for their community. Kerr selected St. James Farm and the DuPage Forest Preserve as his beneficiary, completing a renovation of bleachers at the farm location. Kohls’ project beneficiary is the Hanson Center, a nonprofit horsemanship farm. He created visitor description signs about the animals at the farm.

The rank of Eagle Scout was created in 1912 and is the highest rank attainable by a Scout. Only 8% of all Scouts have earned the rank since its inception. Kerr and Kohls join just more than 2.5 million Eagles nationwide in reaching the achievement.

Troop 57 is chartered by St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Downers Grove.