Gathering all necessary materials such as wood and construction tools, Boy Scout Steven Homolak prepared to finish his Eagle Project with the help of his fellow troop members. His Eagle Project’s completion signals the end of the rigorous journey to attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, a long-term pursuit of Homolak’s. He decided to provide new benches for Richfield Parks, an honorable act of community service.

Homolak, a senior at Revere High School, has been participating in the Boy Scouts of America program for most of his life. He became a member of Troop 387 located in Richfield, Ohio in 2009, and participated in the cub Scouts program since 2004. With the support of his Troop and his family, he has achieved the highest honor a Boy Scout can attain, the rank of Eagle Scout.
Homolak’s Scoutmaster, Dan Lewis, commented on the significance of earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

“Eagle Scout is the highest rank that can be achieved in the Boy Scouts of America. Nationally, around 2% of all Scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Becoming an Eagle Scout involves learning skills of leadership, and skills which may help him in everyday life, including family relationships, a chosen vocation, and recreation. At any time emergency or survival situations may occur,” Lewis said.

Homolak explained that to earn Eagle Scout rank, one must complete a list of requirements over the 7 years that one is allowed to participate in Boy Scouts.

“[You need to] complete all the required merit badges and complete your Eagle Project. I made 3 benches for the Richfield Parks,” Homolak said.

One of the requirements for becoming an Eagle Scout is to complete your Eagle Project, which is something a Boy Scout constructs for his local community. Homolak explained his experience as the manager of his project.

“During the project I learned how to be a manager and leader. I have never had to do something like that before,” Homolak said.

Homolak’s father, Steve, explained how Steven’s achievement of Eagle Scout has affected their family.

“Our family is extremely proud of his accomplishment. The Eagle Scout honor is well known to many people throughout the community, in business and in schools and colleges. People recognize and are always impressed when we mention he has achieved this rank. I have also had the joy of spending more time with Steven on project, campouts and community events. It has also helped to reinforce to us the importance of Scouts and the good that they do for developing young boys and the good they do for the community,” Steve said.

Homolak explained how his achievement of Eagle Scout and his experiences in Boy Scouts, will affect him later in life.

“The knowledge skills and distinction will help in college and later in my job but the great memories I have had with my friends will stick with me more. I will never forget them,” Homolak said.

Lewis mentioned how the Troop and its members have helped Steven out on his journey to Eagle Scout.

“Older Scouts have been role models and guided Steven through various achievements and ranks. Adult leadership is involved when it comes to merit badge counseling,” Lewis said.

Homolak also added how he thinks the journey to Eagle Scout impacts one’s life, teaches one many lessons about life, and makes you a more developed person.

Lewis expressed why he believes Steven deserves to carry the honorable title of Eagle Scout.

“Steven has fulfilled the requirements laid out by the Boy Scouts of America and attained at least 21 merit badges, as well as fulfilled all other leadership requirements. The rank of Eagle is earned through vigorous dedication and commitment over years to the principles of scouting. This achievement will follow him for the rest of his life and show to others the capabilities of Steven’s character,” Lewis said.

Steve explained how the impact of Homolak’s Boy Scout experience has impacted Steven and how he will utilize those skills in the future.

“I saw him develop as a young leader. As he progressed through the program, he became more of a leader and set an example to the younger Scouts and also his peers. Having learned and practiced leadership skills when he was young will be invaluable to him later in life and in future work settings. Lastly, the values and ethics learned and reinforced by the Scouting program will help guide him with his future education, work, family and faith,” Steve said.

Homolak, nailing together his last bench, gazes at his completed Eagle Project. He sighs with satisfaction, knowing that he has conquered the final obstacle on the way to attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Photo courtesy of Steven Homolak. Used with permission.