Stevens Point Boy Scout achieves prestigious Eagle rank
For the Metro Wire
Nicholas Kratzke, a member of Boy Scout Troop 293 of Stevens Point, and son of Dave and Sandy Kratzke, recently earned the honor of Eagle Scout, the highest rank the Boy Scouts offer.
Only four-to-six percent of Boy Scout members ever attain the designation of Eagle Scout.
After earning the Eagle Scout rank on Dec. 2, 2018, Kratzke’s Eagle Court of Honor was held at the Bill Cook Chapter of the Izaak Walton League on February 17.
Kratzke, 18, a senior at Stevens Point Area Senior High School, earned a total of 38 merit badges—17 more than the 21 that are required for Eagle Scout.
For his final project he wanted to give back to his grade school and church, St. Paul Lutheran, so he installed a gaga ball pit in the playground, where both students and the St. Paul Youth Group could all enjoy the game.
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the oldest and largest values-based organizations. Its programs are designed to build character and leadership capabilities as well as instill the principles of active citizenship.
Kratzke began his scouting career while he was in second grade. He received his Religious Knot award in the third grade. He then earned his Arrow of Light Award on December 13, 2011. After advancing to Boy Scouts, Kratzke served as a Den Chief, earning the Den Chief Service award in 2014.
During his time with Troop 293, Kratzke served in many leadership roles including serving as Den Chief for Cub Scout Pack 293, Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and the Order of the Arrow (OA) Troop Representative. Kratzke also attended National Youth Leadership Training and earned his NYLT leadership pin.
Kratzke is proud of logging 136 nights of camping, 49.5 hiking miles, and 320 volunteer hours while a Boy Scout. After being challenged by a scout leader, he also completed the mile swim his last year at camp.
Kratzke is currently working as a cashier at Walmart and is planning to attend Fox Valley Technical College in the fall.