NEW MELLE, MO – In a heartfelt ceremony filled with tradition and pride, 15-year-old Joshua Goetsch of Troop 856 was officially awarded the prestigious Eagle Scout rank on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
The Court of Honor event was attended by family, friends, fellow Scouts, and community leaders. The achievement marks the culmination of nearly a decade of dedication to Scouting, highlighting Goetsch's leadership, service, and perseverance.
The event, held in the spirit of Scouting's core values, featured a formal program led by Master of Ceremonies Tony Linson, an Eagle Scout and Goetsch's uncle. Linson opened the ceremony by recognizing past and present troop leaders, including Scoutmaster Eric Stiern and the Troop Committee Chair Stacey Thater, emphasizing their vital role in guiding young Scouts like Joshua. "Without these dedicated volunteers, this program and Troop 856 would not be possible," Linson noted.
Joshua's journey in Scouting began in 2016 as a Cub Scout in Pack 856, where he progressed through the ranks, including Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and the highest Cub honor, the Arrow of Light, by December 2020. He crossed over to Scouts BSA in April 2021 amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet advanced steadily: earning the Scout rank in August 2021, Tenderfoot in April 2023, Second Class in May 2023, First Class in June 2023, Star in October 2023, and Life in May 2024. His Eagle Board of Review, conducted by the Boone Trails District on May 7, 2025, confirmed he had met all requirements, including over 325 tasks across ranks, merit badges, and service.
A standout element of Joshua's path was his Eagle Scout service project, which involved designing and building a historically authentic bookshelf for the Daniel Boone Home. The bookshelf was crafted in the style of the late 1800s using period-appropriate techniques. Guided by Scoutmaster Stiern and woodworker Warren Gross, Joshua coordinated materials, volunteers from his troop, and logistics, delivering the piece just in time for the holidays. The project not only enhances the museum but also demonstrates his leadership, as he handled all communication and planning independently.
During the ceremony, Eagle Scout Aden Eldridge spoke on the significance of the rank, noting that fewer than 6% of Scouts achieve it. "An Eagle Scout is a young man who is qualified to help others as well as take care of himself," Eldridge said, quoting a historic Scoutmaster handbook. He highlighted Joshua's skills as an outdoorsman, citizen, and family member, honed through requirements like 20+ nights of camping, first aid training, citizenship education, and financial planning.
Joshua's accomplishments extend far beyond the basics. He earned 50 merit badges—29 more than required for Eagle—qualifying him for Eagle Palms (including one gold and one silver.) A passionate camper, he has logged over 30 nights outdoors, attending summer camps annually since 2021 and participating in Boone Trails’ camporees. This summer, he completed a grueling 53-mile trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, earning the Duty to God award, Wilderness Pledge Achievement, Arrowhead patch, and 50-Miler award.
His service record is equally impressive. Joshua has contributed to community efforts, including roadside cleanups, tree plantings, serving at Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) dinners, Scouting for Food drives, and placing flags on veterans’ graves. He has assisted other Life Scouts with their Eagle projects, supported troop tree lot sales, and excelled as a wreath seller, topping sales for the last two years. He was elected by peers to leadership roles like Scribe, Quartermaster, and Patrol Leader of the "Fighting Bananas" patrol. Joshua also completed the Federal Emergency Management Agency TEEN CERT training in October 2023, the National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) last month, and achieved Brotherhood membership in the Order of the Arrow—Scouting's national honor society. He also earned the Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award under the guidance of Olin Eldridge.
In a poignant moment, Scoutmaster Stiern presented the Eagle medal, certificate, rank patch, and palms, praising Joshua's character. "Joshua received high compliments from the Eagle Board for his portfolio—it was one of the best they've seen," Stiern shared. Joshua then pinned miniature Eagle emblems on his parents, Karl and Susan Goetsch, and grandparents, acknowledging their support. He also honored three mentors, Eric Stiern, Adam McCarthy, and Janet Hespen. Joshua then gave special thanks to Gross and former leaders Chris Williams and Chad Peters, before challenging younger Scouts: "Strive for Eagle—it's worth every step!"
The ceremony included traditional elements like the presentation and retiring of colors by Troop 856's color guard, led by Senior Patrol Leader Marvin Thater, and candle-lighting rituals symbolizing the Scout Oath and Law. Eagle Scout Chris Kramer delivered the Eagle Obligation, charging Joshua with honor, loyalty, courage, service, and vision. Chaplain's Aide Billy Simon provided the invocation and benediction, invoking blessings on Joshua's future.
As Joshua’s Eagle neckerchief was placed on him by the Eagle Scout Honor Guard, the room erupted in applause, celebrating not just an individual achievement but the enduring impact of Scouting. "This is a celebration of a journey full of challenges, friendship, struggles, and fun!" Simon reflected in his invocation.
For those inspired by Goetsch's story, more information about joining Scouting in the St. Louis area can be found at stlbsa.org. Troop 856, part of the Greater St. Louis Area Council, welcomes new members eager to embark on their own adventures in character-building and service.
Joshua Goetsch wears the
medal and holds the
certificate for the Eagle Rank.
Eagle Scout and Assistant Scout Master Chris Kramer delivers
the Eagle Scout Obligation and Pledges to Joshua Goetsch,
surrounded by Eagle Scouts who attended the Court of Honor.
Troop 856 Scoutmaster Eric Stiern (Left),
Eagle Scout Joshua Goetsch (Center),
Troop 856 Committee Chair, Stacey Thater (Right)