Antioch teen Joseph Hettich earns Eagle Scout honor

Posted June 18, 2026 4:55 pm

Submitted by Paul I. Hettich

Joseph Hettich of Antioch earned Scouting America's highest honor at the Eagle Scout Award, at a June 7 ceremony at Antioch Township Hall. Courtesy of Paul I. Hettich

Joseph Hettich of Antioch received Scouting America’s highest honor at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony on June 7 at the Antioch Township Hall.

Joseph is the son of Paul J and Julianne Hettich. The event was described as a “celebration of values in action” as reflected in the various segments of the program.

Following the presentation of colors and introductions by co-masters of ceremony, Paul I. Hettich and retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Philip Hettich, Joseph’s grandfather and uncle respectively, Pastor Mark Albrecht of Northbridge Church delivered the Invocation.

The masters of ceremony then announced the Calling of the Court and introduced the dignitaries. Troop 92 Assistant Scoutmaster Rick Wesler spoke the Scoutmaster’s Minute. Chrysti Becker reviewed the steps for becoming an Eagle Scout and Joseph’s scouting history, beginning with his entry as a Cub Scout in 2016.

In the Lighting of the Eagle Trail, John Makis, Karen Svoboda, and Rick Wesler described each of the seven advancement steps Joseph completed from the rank of Scout in 2021 through Eagle. Scouts Wyatt Johnson, Bently Zobel, and Christopher Cardona extinguished the seven candles.

Father Paul J. Hettich looks on as mother Julianne attaches Eagle Scout pin to Joseph Hettich during a June 7 ceremony at the Antioch Township Hall. Courtesy of Paul I. Hettich

Guest speaker and former Troop 92 Scoutmaster Jeremy Becker recounted Joseph’s scouting history, his leadership positions, and emphasized his perseverance, character, and the impact of his service on the Antioch community.

The culminating experience required for earning the Eagle award is to design, plan, obtain necessary human and material resources, and execute a significant community service project.

Joseph’s project was the complete rehabilitation of the neglected acre-sized property surrounding the Antioch Scout house. He recruited 30 Scouts, Scout leaders and families, friends, and others from the community to assist. The tasks included, raking, mulching, pruning, tree trimming, repairing the handicap entrance rails, performing outside electrical work, and other improvements.

Thirty volunteers worked on a major rehabilitation of the area surrounding the Antioch Scout house for Joseph Hettich’s Eagle Scout community service project. Courtesy of Paul I. Hettich

Northeast Illinois Council North Star District Executive Taylor Summerfelt and National Youth Leadership Training Program Coordinator Anthony Giamas presented the Eagle Award to Joseph.

In addition, he received the Military Order of the World Wars from Lee Lopez, Commander of the Chicago chapter and a retired U.S. Army chief warrant officer.

Following the Scout Pledge, retired Colonel James Holman representing the Lake County Detachment 801 of the Marine Corps League presented the K-Bar award.

In gratitude, Joseph presented mentor pins to the many individuals who supported and advised him along his journey to Eagle, including his parents and grandparents Mary Ann and Paul I. Hettich.

To conclude the ceremony, chaplain Charles Haley of the Antioch Police Department led the benediction, and the Scouts retired the colors. The event was truly a celebration of values in action, including the importance of nourishment — the cake-cutting ceremony and a Mission BBQ dinner that followed.

To learn more about Antioch Scout Troop 92, which has been an active member of the Antioch community for more than 75 years, visit antioch92.mytroop.us/.