Mon., Dec. 4, 2023 (Peoria, Ill.) – The W. D. Boyce Council, Boy Scouts of America, congratulates Elizabeth Hayden on earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Scouting. Achieving Eagle Scout rank is the culmination of years of leadership training, outdoor adventures and character development. Elizabeth is a member of Troop 265 chartered by First Christian Church in Pekin, Ill.
On Nov. 5, 2023, Elizabeth presented her Eagle Service Project to the BSA board to complete their scouting journey and earn the Eagle Scout rank. To obtain her Eagle Scout rank, Elizabeth served in unit leadership positions, completed a minimum of 21 merit badges and led a community service project for Wildlife Prairie Park in Hanna City, Ill. The project involved installing new benches in the entire center part of the park.
“I chose the park because it holds a lot of sentimental moments in my past,” said Elizabeth about her Eagle Service Project. “This project was important because I was able to help make the park accessible to more families by simply replacing the benches. It also helped park morale as it brightens the space and improves the visual appeal of the space.”
Elizabeth is the daughter of James Hayden of Pekin. She is currently a senior at Pekin Community High School. After graduation, Elizabeth plans on attending Eastern Illinois University. Her goal is to go to medical school and become an obstetrician/gynecologist.
“We salute Elizabeth’s achievement in obtaining Eagle Scout rank and look forward to her continued leadership and service in the community,” said Ben Blumenberg, Scout Executive and CEO for the W. D. Boyce Council.
W. D. Boyce Council celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. The Council supports volunteers delivering local Scouting programs in 14 counties in Central Illinois. The mission of Scouting is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Learn more about Scouting in Central Illinois at wdboyce.org or call 309-673-6136. To find a local Scouting unit, visit beascout.org.