Zachary Joyce of Troop 2019 was recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in 2025 by the Mississippi Valley Council last Saturday.
To earn the rank of Eagle Scout, a Scout must earn all previous ranks, complete 21 merit badges, and lead a service project. Zach has currently earned 121 Merit badges, 100 more than required for the award. For his Service Project, he helped restore the Salvation Army Playground and place mulch at the base of it. He said he chose this project because he noticed apartment buildings being built in the neighborhood of the Salvation Army and wanted to make the playground safe for kids in the area.
In addition to being an Eagle Scout, Zach has earned several awards so far in his Scouting career including World Conservation Award, Paul Bunyan, National Outdoor Awards in Camping and Aquatics, Mile Swim, Ad Altare Dei Religious Emblem, NOVA Award, Complete Angler, Den Chief Service, SCUBA BSA, Okpik Musher Camp Award, Okpik Duty to God, Bizhiw Award, Okpik Zero Hero, Okpik Cold Weather Camper, Sea Base Captain’s Club Award, Sea Base Duty to God, and Pope Pius XII religious emblem.
Zach has been to two of Scouting America’s four high adventure bases. Last winter he participated in a dog sledding adventure where he slept under the stars in subzero temperatures at Northern Tier. A few months ago he participated in a sailing adventure at Sea Base where he and his troopmates lived on a sailboat for a week. This summer he is attending National Jamboree at Summit Bechtel. He hopes to continue to attend more high adventures experiences.
Throughout his time as a Scout Zach has served in positions of leadership including Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, and Den Chief. He is currently Vice Chief of Operations for the Mississippi Valley Council Order of the Arrow. Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s National Honor Society. Zach was also selected for Vigil Honors in Order of the Arrow last year. This is an honor rarer than Eagle Scout.
Although he appreciates all the adventures and opportunities Scouting has provided, Zach says his favorite thing about Scouts is the friendships he has made and getting to spend time with those friends on campouts and adventures.