Two Harbors Graduates Achieve Eagle Scout Rank and Advocate for Local Scouting Revival

I asked Eagle Scout Riley Neimi what his favorite merit badge was to earn. “I would say Zero Hero be­cause not too many people can get that,” he replied. Earning this badge requires a camping trip in below zero weather.

For his longtime friend and fellow Ea­gle Scout Ben Werm­ter, Zero Hero was up there but his favorite was probably the one he earned for fishing. When I remarked that sounded more enjoy­able than camping in below zero weather, he assured me it wasn’t too bad.

Riley started Scout­ing in first grade and got his friend to join him a few years later. They’ve recently grad­uated from Two Har­bors High School and stuck with the program all the way through.

The dedication and hard work as Scouts have earned them the honor of becoming official Eagle Scouts, the highest level of achievement in the Boy Scouts of Ameri­ca (BSA) program. It’s required to earn over twenty merit badges to achieve the Eagle Scout rank.

“It’s a lot of work, so it’s definitely not for the faint of heart but it’s definitely helpful in the long run,” said Riley. “It’s something to stick to. It opens more doors in the fu­ture.”

Their efforts were commended in a Court of Honor ceremony held by Troop 0160 at the Two Harbors Fire Hall. This ceremony included scouts and their families cele­brating a major mile­stone. It began with the lighting of candles and Presentation of the Colors. Riley and Ben received pins to signify and commem­orate the event.

Both Eagle Scouts feel that being in­volved in BSA has been important in their lives. Riley remarked on all the people he had met along the way. “It helps with re­sumes,” he added. “A lot of employers will be looking for that.”

According to Ben, “It’s a lot of fun. I re­ally do think it helps you become a better citizen and make con­nections in the com­munity.”

It’s for these reasons and more that it is un­fortunate that there are very few Scouts in the area. “If that number doesn’t go up, we’re going to be losing Scouting in Two Har­bors,” said Riley.

At the ceremony, a representative from the Scout Council spoke to the need of more participation and a plan of action. A large part of the concern is the lack of a Cub Scout Troop, which includes ele­mentary aged kids.

“They are going to try to revamp the Cub Scout Troop in town,” Ben said. “That’s something that will re­ally help the boy scout troop.”

Ben will be attend­ing the Vermillion Campus in Ely for Parks and Wildlife Management. Riley is enrolled to take gen­erals at Lake Superi­or College. “It’s nice to widen my horizons and see what else there is,” he said.

For those who have kids interested in wid­ening their horizons by joining the Scouts, reach out to 218-729- 5811 or email vacb­sa@scouting.org.

Congratulations to both Riley and Ben for earning the Eagle Scout ranking!