ELY - Ethan Hasz joined an exclusive group last Sunday when the Memorial High School senior was officially awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. He was inducted in a ceremony at Ledgerock Community Church.

Just over two percent of boys who enter the Scouting ranks ever earn the badge.

“I started Cub Scouts at about age six or seven and did all the ranks, Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos 1and 2” Ethan said. “Then at age eleven I became a Boy Scout in Troop 4170. All told it’s been about 11 or 12 years.”

Hasz earned 21 merit badges, completed service projects, and learned numerous Scouting skills that cover everything from care for the U.S. flag and tying knots to cooking over an open fire and responsible internet use. To become an Eagle Scout, Hasz had to complete a major service project.

“My dad (Joel, Scout Master) and I contacted the U.S. Forest Service here in Ely and they suggested a couple ideas for Eagle projects,” Hasz said.  “With the help of friends and fellow scouts, I worked on trail maintenance for the Bass Lake Hiking trail that is just North of Ely on the Echo Trail.  We picked up garbage, cut back the foliage, and removed logs that had fallen across the trail.  I also approached Voyageur Lumber in Ely and they donated treated wood that we built a bench out of.  The Forest Service then installed the bench at a scenic overlook near the falls on Bass Lake.  All in all, I think we put in close to a hundred man hours of work on the project.  It was hard work, but fun too.”

The service project provided the latest in what has amounted to a decade-plus of memories that evolved from Scouting, including camps and trips and bonding with fellow scouts.

“A lot of my fondest memories come from the Boy Scout camps,” he said  “I was able to shoot a black powder rifle, and sleep out overnight on a raft in the middle of a lake at Many Point Scout Camp.  The rope course and zip lines are fun memories as well as all the fun camp songs and skits.  Oh, and who can forget the “polar plunge.”  Scouting has been a great place to build friendships as we would go on fun weekend outings like the Mining Expo in Chisholm and the Railroad merit badge weekend in Duluth, those were a lot of fun.”

Ethan plans to attend University of Wisconsin-Stout in the fall. “I think being an Eagle will help in future job interviews, etc., and I think scouting helps me be more ready for new situations,” he said.  “Every outing, every merit badge was something new and it kind of gets you ready for whatever might be thrown at me in college or in a job one day.”

Joel Hasz added, “I think any boy who becomes and Eagle Scout gains a little extra confidence.  As they face challenges in life they can remember what they learned in Scouting, that the way you achieve success in any area is through hard work and perseverance.”