St. Mary’s youth receive Boy Scout "Eagle Award"

Trent Kyle Zabel and Daniel Lee Besser, both members of St. Mary’s Parish in New Ulm, have earned the highest advance-ment award the Boy Scouts of America offers to Scouts, the Eagle Award. Both Zabel and Besser were recognized in ceremonies on Sunday, September 8, 2002 at the United Church of Christ in New Ulm. They are members of the Knights of Columbus Boy Scout Troop 25. According to Scoutmaster Tim Nelson, only approximately 2 percent of all Boy Scouts attain the Eagle rank. Each candidate must earn 21 merit badges and successfully complete a community, church or synagogue-related service project to earn his Eagle.

Zabel chose to survey all the classrooms in the three New Ulm school systems to ensure that each classroom had a current and presentable flag. He ordered and replaced flags where necessary. He worked with the American Legion to conduct a flag disposal ceremony in October of 2001 and for Sioux Trails Boy Scout District at the 2002 Spring Camp out. He has served as patrol leader, quarter-master, and troop guide and has earned 25 merit badges. He is active in football and wrestling at New Ulm High School where he is a junior. He is the son of Beth and Ellwood Zabel of New Ulm.

Besser chose to reconstruct the Cathedral Middle School Auditorium by painting the stage, rebuilding and painting the stairs, and creating removable curtains. He has served as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Troop guide, and Bugler. Besser, a senior, attends New Ulm Senior High School where he is active in track, Stable, Choir, the school musicals, and leading the juggling club for the Washington School 4th-5th-6th graders at Washington School. He is the son of Gary and Val Besser, of New Ulm.