Picture: Six members of St. Rita High School's class of 2007 have
earned the rank of Eagle Scout. From left: John Fernandez
(Chicago-Midway), Dan Murawski (Chicago-Midway), Sean Duffin (Alsip)
and Dan Sloyan (Mt. Greenwood). Not pictured: Joe Bubacz
(Chicago-Midway) and Jim Mlynarski (Palos Heights).
As the Boy Scouts of America approaches its
100-year anniversary in 2010, its relevance has never been greater
in a society that so often fails to recognize the importance of
personal integrity and service to one’s community. And within the
revered institution dedicated to shaping young men into upstanding
citizens, the rank of Eagle Scout is the pinnacle of a Boy Scout’s
journey toward embodying the principles of citizenship, character
development, and physical fitness. The fact that a man is an
Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not
only in Scouting, but also as he enters higher education, business
or industry, and community service. Only about 5% of all Boy
Scouts earn this venerable rank, which represents more than 1.7
million Boy Scouts to do so since 1912. 21 merit badges must be
earned to complete the process (including 12 specifically
required), and also the organization of a service project that
demonstrates leadership in the community. St. Rita of Cascia High
School is proud to announce that six members of the class of 2007
have earned the Eagle Scout rank.
Dan Sloyan (Mt. Greenwood) earned his Eagle
Scout rank with Troop 609 at 109th and Bell. His
service project was to take several younger Scouts to Bellhaven
Nursing Home at 114th and Oakley. They spent the day
there and did several activities with the residents, including
trivia games, watching a movie, preparing lunch, and painting
votive candleholders. This initial trip has resulted in several
follow-ups from other members of his troop. He has earned 27
merit badges, and will attend the University of Iowa this fall.
Sean Duffin (Alsip) earned his Eagle Scout
rank with Troop 459 at St. John Fisher School in Beverly. His
service project was to help out St. Rita High School, his recent
alma mater, by cleaning and polishing all of the pews in the
school’s chapel, which had a great impact on its appearance. He
has earned 21 merit badges, and will attend Illinois State
University this fall.
Jim Mlynarski (Palos Heights) earned his
Eagle Scout rank with Troop 337 at St. Alexander Parish in Palos
Heights. His service project was to make picture books for
residents of Rest Haven Nursing Home in Crestwood, IL. The books
helped to stimulate the eyes and imaginations of the patients
there. He will be attending Purdue University this fall.
Three scouts from St. Rita’s class of 2007
earned their Eagle Scout rank in the same troop. Joe Bubacz, John
Fernandez, and Dan Murawski were all members of Troop 406 at St.
Turibius Parish in Chicago’s Midway neighborhood. Fernandez has
earned 51 merit badges, and his service project was to head a
massive collection of blankets, clothing and food for the
homeless. Murawski has earned 45 merit badges, and his service
project was to collect old greeting cards, cut off the decorated
fronts and send them to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in Nevada.
The children then used the fronts of the cards to make new
greeting cards for their education account. Bubacz will be
attending Moraine Valley Community College this fall, Fernandez
will be enrolled in EMT training at Christ Hospital, and Murawski
will be attending Purdue University.
Several of the Eagle Scouts reflected on
what the Scouting experience has meant for them. Sloyan said,
“When I first joined the Scouts, I was unsure of it. Over time,
though, I made some great friends and had many unforgettable
experiences. I also had the honor of meeting one of the wisest
men I know, my Scoutmaster Don Eppley. He truly is an
extraordinary person and a prime example of what the Scouts are
all about.”
Murawski said, “The Boy Scouts means
learning new skills that will help me throughout my life. I also
will treasure the good times with friends and the life-long bond I
formed with the people in my Troop.”
The entire St. Rita family offers
congratulations to these exemplary young men, and wishes them
nothing but the best in their future endeavors.
