Bumper crop of Eagle Scouts fill Schaumburg banquet hall

Northwest Suburban Boy Scout officials described the latest group of Eagle Scouts as a "bumper crop," and the numbers at a congratulatory luncheon Saturday confirmed it.

A crowd of 200 filled Chandler's Banquets at the Schaumburg Golf Club, including 153 teens - from 29 communities and 56 troops - who had earned Boy Scout's highest award last year, the rank of Eagle Scout.

"You are carrying on a special tradition in Boy Scouts, one of leadership and integrity," said James Tierney, president of the Mount Prospect-based council. "You are a role model for others that people will be watching."

The honored Scouts wore their uniforms, including their Eagle Scout neckerchief that they had received at their court of honor ceremonies sponsored by their troops.

A highlight came when Congressman Mark Kirk, a Republican from Highland Park, delivered the afternoon's Eagle address. Just back from his reserve tour of duty in Afghanistan, Kirk said he hoped the leadership skills they had honed might one day be used to better their country.

"The good news is that you've been well prepared," Kirk said. "The bad news is you will be tested. At some point, you'll look around and realize that no one else can do the job but you, and it will be time to lead."

After the speeches, the class of Eagles formed a line to individually introduce themselves and describe their service project. Their work ran the gamut from leading conservation projects to holding food drives and renovating shelters.

The youngest Eagle in the room was 13-year old Jason Brescia of Hoffman Estates and Boy Scout Troop 493. He solicited merchants for toys to donate to patients at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and he eventually wound up delivering 1,400 of them.

"My brother inspired me totally," Brescia said of his brother who has multiple disabilities. "(Completing the project) was difficult, but I had a great feeling at the end."

Stan Dulkoski, a senior at Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, completed his service by renovating and cleaning up the historic Wheeling Township cemetery.

"I basically knew I was a leader, but hearing it from a congressman just reaffirms it," Dulkoski said.

As a parting gift, council officials gave Scouts a challenge coin, similar to those in the military. They described how the coins dated back to World War I, when they were distributed to battalions as symbols of camaraderie and unity.

These coins carried the Northwest Suburban Boy Scout emblem on one side, and on the other, their challenge: "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle."