Federal Way Boy Scout Troop 361 is proud to announce 7 scouts who received their Eagle Scout rank, the highest rank in Boy Scouts.

As pictured from left to right, Lars Whalen, Danny Lane, Sam O’Neal, Oliver Wai, Ryan Osaka, Russell Murnen, and Michael Williams celebrated their achievements in a combined ceremony on May 8, 2010 at the Knutzen Family Theater in Federal Way with over 160 family members and guests in attendance.

Over the course of their 7-year Boy Scout careers, each young man attended hundreds of troop meetings where they learned relevant life skills. They also participated in worthwhile charitable events such as the Scouting for Food program where they helped collect tons of food and supplies for the Federal Way Multi-Service Center, and they served lunches and dinners to countless athletes and coaches at the Washington Special Olympics held each year at Fort Lewis.

To earn the Eagle rank, a Scout must earn the required 21 merit badges, demonstrate the qualities of a scout (trustworthy, friendly, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent), receive recommendations from those that have witnessed these qualities, hold leadership positions within the troop, and plan, organize, fund, and lead a team of volunteers in completing a community project all before their 18th birthday. Each young man coordinated the successful completion of the following Eagle projects:

Lars Whalen constructed of a 300 foot split rail fence at The Old Fishing Hole in Kent.

Danny Lane installed a concrete pathway and barbecue area for members of the Sunrise Methodist Church in Federal Way.

Sam O’Neal’s Eagle Scout Project involved the cleanup and revitalization of the Wooten Park pathways and pond area in the city of Des Moines.

Oliver Wai built and installed book and equipment shelving at the Federal Way Boys and Girls Club.

Ryan Osaka designed and constructed a triangular concrete pathway surrounding his installation of three lighted, 20 foot tall flagpoles at the track at the Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma.

Russell Murnen designed and installed a concreted path and picnic area along with a meditation garden for the youth group of Browns Point United Methodist Church in Tacoma.

Michael Williams renovated a public playground with concrete retaining walls located near Silver Lake Elementary School in Federal Way.

Whether it was building snow caves on Mt. Rainier, practicing their archery and shooting skills along with weekend camping at Camp Hahobas on Hood Canal, or attending weeklong summer camps in Washington, Montana, or Idaho, these Eagle Scouts had fun. Perhaps their fondest memories will be their High Adventures taken after they turned 14 years old. Three prime examples include their weeklong sailing adventure aboard a 50 foot boat in the Bahamas, or their ultimate backpacking trip of +75 miles over the course of 11days at the enormous Philmont Scout Ranch located in New Mexico. Then again, maybe it was the +50 miles sea kayaking trip exploring south Puget Sound.

All of these exceptional young men are graduating this June 2010, and will be attending universities in the fall. They achieved their Eagle Scout ranks while also excelling in their school’s academic, extracurricular and sports programs. Their dedication to service has greatly benefitted their schools and the Federal Way community.

Troop 361 is one of the largest Federal Way troops, and one of the oldest having celebrated its 25th anniversary last summer. A special thanks is in order to the troop’s excellent Scoutmaster Mr. David Hill of the past 9 years along with all of the other members of the Troop and adult volunteers who helped each of these Eagle Scouts earn their top rank. Check out their website at www.troop361.com for more information.

Courtesy of Susan Murnen