Montgomery teen earns Eagle rank

Mark Biegalski, 17, a member of the Bristol Boy Scout Troop 34 and resident of Montgomery, attained the rank of Eagle Scout April 16, and was formally recognized on July 27, at a special Eagle Court of Honor ceremony, hosted by his troop at Scout Hall in Bristol.

The senior at Yorkville High School is the son of Paul and Louise Biegalski. His younger brother, Eric, also received his Eagle rank in November 2013. His grandparents are Greg and Louise Biegalski of Lombard and Nives Antonini of Palos Hills.

Mark began his Scouting experience in 2011 when he joined Bristol Troop 34. During his three years in Scouting he demonstrated his solid leadership abilities when he served as troop librarian, patrol leader for two years, and mentored younger Scouts at summer camp. As a Boy Scout, Mark earned the following 13 Eagle required merit badges: swimming, first aid, Citizenship in the Nation, cooking, family life, Citizenship in the Community, personal fitness, environmental science, Citizenship in the World, communications, emergency preparedness, camping, and personal management. His other elective merit badges are: reading, computers, art, music, with his favorites being golf, climbing, rifle and shotgun shooting, and fishing.

For his Eagle Scout service project, Mark chose to help his parish, St. Patrick Catholic Church in Yorkville, become more visible to the community by organizing and managing a group of 47 volunteers to clear the underbrush and invasive plants from the large, heavily wooded lot across the street from the church. With the help of the Yorkville Public Works Department's early brush pick up service, Mark was able to accomplish his project ahead of schedule.

At his Eagle Court of Honor ceremony, the charge was presented to him by Pat Neville, the Eagle Award was presented by Troop 34 Adult Leader and committee member Joe Stenger, who also was the recipient of Mark's mentor pin. Guest speakers included Eagle Service project beneficiary, Father Michael Callea of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Sheriff Richard Randall who presented him with a commendation letter and Challenge Coin, and Frank Gordon, along with fellow Marines from the Fox Valley Marine Detachment 1233, who presented Mark with a Good Citizenship Award, a certificate of achievement award, and a Ka-Bar knife. Mark's fellow Scouts, family and friends were present to celebrate with him this most honored and memorable occasion.

Mark said he is grateful for all that Scouting has taught him, especially to respect and love the outdoors. His most memorable scouting trips were canoeing down the Fox River and stopping to fish along the way, and he especially enjoyed the rock climbing trip to Upper Limits in Bloomington, Ill. Outside of scouting, Mark has been a member of the Yorkville High golf team since his freshman year, has been a member of the Safe Club, and is currently a student ambassador. Mark is employed at Suburban Tire in Oswego and caddies at Black Sheep Golf Club in Sugar Grove. In his spare time he fishes and goes waterfowl hunting and bowfishing with his friends. After graduation, Mark plans to attend college and become a firefighter and paramedic.