Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a milestone achieved by only a small percentage of Scouts. For Joseph of Troop 92 in Antioch, Illinois, it represents years of dedication, leadership, and service to others. Joseph earned Scouting's highest rank on May 19, 2026, marking the culmination of a journey that began as a Cub Scout in 2016.
A Journey of Leadership
After joining Troop 92 in 2021, Joseph embraced opportunities to develop his leadership skills and serve his fellow Scouts. Throughout his Scouting career, he held numerous positions of responsibility, including Den Chief, Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and Order of the Arrow Troop Representative. He is also a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow.
Joseph extended his leadership beyond his troop by serving on OKPIK staff since 2024 and National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) staff since 2025, helping younger Scouts strengthen their outdoor and leadership abilities.
Giving Back Through Service
For his Eagle Scout service project, Joseph chose to improve the Anderson Memorial Scout House in Antioch, a facility that has served generations of Scouts. Leading volunteers, he coordinated landscaping, cleanup efforts, repairs, and other property improvements that will benefit the Scouting community for years to come.
"I wanted my project to represent what Scouting has taught me about leadership and service while giving back to a place that has served generations of Scouts," Joseph said. "Seeing everyone come together to make a lasting improvement made all of the work leading up to Eagle worth it."
A Family Tradition
Scouting has long been part of Joseph's family history. Inspired by family members who participated in Scouting and earned the rank of Eagle Scout, he began his own journey hoping to follow their example. Along the way, however, the experience became something uniquely his own.
"As I got older, earning Eagle became more than following in their footsteps," Joseph shared: "It became my own journey and gave me the opportunity to grow as a leader, serve others, and challenge myself."
Leadership Beyond Scouting
Outside of Scouting, Joseph serves as an Explorer Sergeant with the Lake County Sheriff's Office Explorer Post 2066, where he receives training in various aspects of law enforcement and leadership. He is also a varsity football player, a member of the track and field team at Antioch Community High School, and a Youth Ambassador for Pheasants Forever.
These experiences reflect a continued commitment to leadership, teamwork, conservation, and service to the community.
Looking Toward the Future
Joseph plans to attend college and is considering pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. He is also exploring opportunities in military service and law enforcement, fields where he can continue applying the leadership and service principles he developed through Scouting.
"Regardless of the career path I choose, I hope to continue serving others and making a positive impact on my community," he said.
Advice for Future Eagle Scouts
When asked what advice he would give younger Scouts, Joseph emphasized perseverance and enjoying the journey.
"Never give up. Eagle may seem far away at times, but every rank, merit badge, leadership position, campout, and service project gets you one step closer."
He also encourages Scouts not to focus solely on the destination.
"The Eagle Scout badge is something you earn, but being an Eagle Scout is something you carry with you for the rest of your life. The leadership, service, friendships, experiences, and lessons you gain along the way are what make earning Eagle truly meaningful."
Congratulations
Congratulations to Joseph on earning the rank of Eagle Scout. His dedication to leadership, service, and personal growth exemplifies the values of Scouting and serves as an inspiration for future generations of Scouts.
If you would like to share your Scouting story, please contact info@neic.org or contact Tanya Zivin in the Council office.