Nathaniel Ludwikowski, left, receives his Eagle Scout scarf from his father and Scoutmaster Mike Ludwikowski, center, and Assistant Scoutmaster Myk Greenfield.

Ludwikowski soaring with other Eagles

Nathaniel Ludwikowski has made it known to nearly everyone he is acquainted with that he does not enjoy being in the spotlight.

But it’s hard to ignore the spotlight when you are among one percent of the male population that has become an Eagle Scout, which includes such notables as the first man to walk on the moon and a former president of the United States.

Ludwikowski, a senior at Minneota, officially became an Eagle Scout on Saturday following his Court of Honor in front of over 50 family members, friends, members of his Troop 320, and other Eagle Scouts.

The ceremony was held at St. Edward's School. Father Craig Timmerman delivered the Invocation and Benediction. After lighting his Eagle Scout candle and receiving his Eagle Scout pin, Nate had to step out of his comfort zone as he addressed the audience in a brief “thank you” speech to those that supported him in his path to becoming an Eagle Scout, including his mother and father, Colleen and Mike Ludwikowski.

“As I promised, it was short and sweet,” joked his father, who is also Nathaniel’s Scoutmaster.

“Words cannot express how proud Colleen and I are of Nathaniel,” said Mike.

“Colleen has been with Nathaniel since he started in Cub Scouts as his Den Leader.” “I have been his Scoutmaster for the past four years. Scouting has always been a big part of our family.”

“Colleen’s father was a Scoutmaster, and her two brothers are fellow Eagle Scouts.” A scout can earn as many badges as they desire, but must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, including the 13 that are required to achieve Eagle Scout status. Ludwikowski earned 56 merit badges in all. His first merit badge was earned when he was 11 years old. A scout begins in Cub Scouts and then advances up the scout ladder to Boy Scouts, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class and Star. A scout must also have been a Life Scout for at least six months in order to become an Eagle Scout.

“Watching boys climb the ‘Eagle Trail’ and all the work they put in is special and gratifying as their Scoutmaster,” Nathaniel’s father noted. “But when it’s your own son, it is a very special moment in your life.”

“I’m so proud of the young man he has become.” “He has learned and perfected life and leadership skills and I look forward to see where they will take him in life.” Nathaniel said that he has always had a desire to become an Eagle Scout, especially because his two uncles had reached that level.

“It's hard work,” he said, “but I think it's worth it.” “I'm proud of my accomplishment.” Only around four percent of all Scouts achieve the level of Eagle Scouts.

Over the past 100 years, only two millions boys have become Eagle Scouts; or one percent of the male population. Some notable Eagle Scouts are Neil Armstrong and Gerald Ford, as well as several governors, professional athletes, Nobel Peace Prize winners, actors, activists and more.

“Your expectations went up today,” Assistant Scoutmaster Myk Greenfield told Nate after he officially became an Eagle Scout.

“I congratulate you as an Eagle Scout.” When the ceremony ended, Ludwikowski still felt a little uneasy at all the attention bestowed up on him this day. “I still don't like the attention or getting up in the front and talking,” he said.

“But it wasn't so bad.”

Ludwikowski will attend North Dakota State University in the fall.

Contact Us

The Minneota Mascot
Address: 201 N. Jefferson
Minneota, MN 56264

Phone:(507) 872-6492