Boy Scout Earns Eagle Advancement After Park District Improvements
Braden James Tanner Kobeski of Inverness will be presented Boy Scout's highest rank of Eagle at a Court of Honor August 24 at Holy Family Catholic Church.
Braden is the son of Gregg and Susan Kobeski and brother of Connor and Taryn who have all been supportive in Braden's Scouting endeavors.
He is a member of Troop 461 of the Northwest Suburban Council and Signal Hill District. Braden's troop is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 11981 at Holy Family Parish.
To earn the rank of Eagle, a Scout must earn 21 merit badges including those designated for Eagle and demonstrate leadership and community service by organizing and carrying out an Eagle project.
For Braden's project, areas of the Inverness Park District at North Park were cleared, replanted, and renovated. Thirty-two troop members, family members, and friends joined in the work that improved an area that the community uses a great deal. While time and talent were provided by the volunteers, Home Depot on 825 East Dundee Road in Palatine donated some of the materials.
At the Eagle Court of Honor, Representative Thomas Morrison (54th District of Illinois General Assembly) will be in attendance to present a United States flag to Kasia Mastrangeli, President of the Inverness Park District Commissioners. This flag was flown over the state capitol in Springfield, Illinois.
Braden is a junior at William Fremd High School in Palatine where he is a percussionist in the marching band and concert band programs. He is an officer in the National Honor Society, a member of the Thespian Society and Drama Club, and is a peer minister for the high school religious program at Holy Family. Braden is a digital media enthusiast, enjoys camping, and has joined a Venture crew. This new Eagle Scout served in a variety of leadership positions in the troop, went to the inaugural National Jamboree in West Virginia, and is now a member of the National Eagle Scout Association. It has been gratifying to read the letters of congratulations that arrive from past American presidents, cabinet members, and dignitaries.
This year will include visits to prospective colleges where he would like to study Forensic Science and Digital Media and Video Editing. Braden will be traveling with the Fremd Marching Band when it journeys to San Antonio, Texas for the Alamo Bowl this winter.
The founder of Boy Scouts, Robert Baden Powell said, "The most worthwhile thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others." The Inverness Park District Board and the community members have enjoyed the transformation of their park that has put happiness into their leisure lives.