Local Scout Gets His Wings

There are windows of opportunity in life that cannot be revisited, but can produce achievements that only grow more significant as the years pass.  Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is one such landmark.  

In the last 12 months, Boy Scout Troop 547 of Albertville, Minn., has proudly witnessed three boys earn the rank of Eagle Scout.  Andrew Zipp, Daniel Wallerius and now Matthew Hilden join the ranks of half of one percent of the US population that have earned the title of Eagle Scout.

Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, was an Eagle Scout. When he said, “The Eagle has landed”, he was proud of that statement’s double meaning.  Of the 12 men who would eventually walk on the moon, 11 were former Scouts.

Matt’s journey to Eagle is as much a tribute to him, as it is to his parents Pat and Deb Hilden of St. Michael, and troop leaders Tom Huro, Jason Johnson, Martin Mayerchak, Scott Zipp and Mark Hesser.

Jason Johnson remarks on Matt’s progress, “It’s hard to believe how far Matt has come and grown physically but also mentally and emotionally.  It’s been really neat to see this and be part of it.”

“He’s a gentle giant” adds Tom Huro, “he’s grown into his role of leader.  He’s quiet and confident but yet fully able to handle 10 kids who are spiraling out of control.  He knows yelling isn’t the answer – it’s modeling solid leadership”.

Matt chose as his mentor his Grandpa Larry Leitschuh, himself a former Scout.  The night before Matt’s Court of Honor, Grandpa put on his uniform (circa the 1950s) and posed with Matt. Also attending the ceremony were members of the St. Michael Lions Club, Ron Tiernan, Mike Jenkins and Phil Gammell – a 1975 Eagle Scout himself.

Behind every great Eagle Scout are great parents.  Deb and Pat Hilden, the proud parents of boys Mitch (12), Mike (15) and Matt (17) – all Scouts – share their feelings on Matt’s accomplishment.

“It’s been nerve wracking at times, but we have worked hard as family to help Matt achieve his goal” Pat shares.  “So this is a great night for all of us!”
“It’s also felt so rewarding to see Matt encourage the younger boys and bring out the best in others.  Those are just some of the wonderful skills Eagle Scout has given him.” Deb explains.

The journey to Eagle starts in 5th grade and must be completed by the day of the Scout’s 18th birthday.  Over the years, Scouts must earn dozens of difficult and challenging merit badges – having to prove their mastery to experts in the field – often entirely removed from Scouting.  

They will spend hundreds, if not thousands of hours of camping.  Many Eagle Scouts probably do not realize the average American cannot tie a taut-line hitch knot or navigate out of the woods using only a compass, data points on a map and the sun.  Eagle Scouts have also endured a night out in the snow with only minimal protection, had to demonstrate the ability to rescue victims from fires and lakes and performed hundreds of hours of community service.

Eagles must also design and create a final service project before they can make rank.  Matt chose to build a storage shed for the St. Michael Catholic Church.  This shed houses all the supplies for the adjacent community garden, which provides fresh fruits and vegetables to the Hanover Food Shelf.

“I’m actually really excited about making rank.  I mean how can you not be excited to become an Eagle Scout?”  Matt shares.  Asked what was the highlight of his scouting years, Matt quickly answers, “Our high adventure trip to Colorado last summer.  It was just the older guys and me, and we climbed to 11,900 feet and went white water rafting in Class 5 rapids – it was amazing.  But Scouting has taught me more than fun stuff.  When I started I was a terrible leader – terrible!  Now, I feel like I know how to motivate kids and work with other people.  These are things I’m going to need to do well my whole life.”

“Matt’s just a really nice kid…a super hard worker and a really nice kid.” shares Michele Ulrick, Matt’s neighbor and long-time family friend.

The boys of Troop 547 agree.  When asked to describe Matt they volunteered descriptors such as, “fun loving, a great leader, a super strong guy who can push over trees and a big gorilla!”

The final assessment of the night came from Matt’s younger brother Mike – a 15 year old Scout hoping to follow in his big brother’s footsteps.

With a big smile he adds, “Matt’s just a sweet dude.  He’s pretty nice to me and I really look up to him.”