TRUCKEE, Calif. – Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is no small feat—only about 6% of scouts nationwide achieve it. In Truckee, three local scouts have joined those elite ranks. Michael Dahlen, Brock Ryan, and Dylan Richards recently completed their ambitious service projects, leaving a lasting impact on the community and cementing their status as leaders in the Truckee Scout Troop.

Dahlen earned his Eagle rank through a project aimed at honoring the American flag. He designed and built three flag retirement boxes, providing a dignified way to retire worn-out flags. Partnering with American Legion Post Commander Matt Hillock, he discovered a significant need for such boxes, as the Legion and Civil Air Patrol regularly collect flags for proper retirement. With the help of his family and fellow scouts, Dahlen placed the boxes at Truckee’s hardware store, Town Hall, and the Veterans Hall—ensuring accessibility for residents.

Ryan took on a major infrastructure project at Donner Lake, replacing the aging steps leading to public dock number 16. Over five days and 200 hours of work, he and his team installed 21 sturdy steps made from pressure-treated wood and secured with three-foot stakes.

Working alongside John Shaffer and Oscar Solorio from the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District, Ryan saw immediate results. “As soon as the steps were finished, people were already using them and said they were a great new change to the area,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to Truckee Tahoe Lumber for donating the materials.

Richards focused on supporting local cyclists, installing two bike repair stations along the Trout Creek Trail, which runs from behind Alibi to the Coyote Moon Golf Course. These stations, equipped for fixing flat tires and making adjustments, provide a valuable resource for cyclists.

Richards worked closely with town engineer Riley Powers and received equipment donations from Paco’s, a local bike shop. With the help of fellow scouts and adults, he successfully installed the stations, improving the trail experience for riders.

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a rigorous process, requiring scouts to complete at least 21 merit badges, including 13 in core subjects such as citizenship, first aid, and leadership. Beyond the badges, scouts must demonstrate their skills in board reviews and complete a significant community service project.

Brandy Christensen, a parent involved with the troop, highlighted how scouting shapes young people, explaining that many begin in Cub Scouts as early as kindergarten or first grade. This structured program teaches essential skills, encourages earning merit badges, and fosters rank progression. As they advance into Scouts, they take on greater responsibilities and leadership roles, gaining independence along the way.

Unlike Cub Scouts, which is parent-led, Scouts is designed to be youth-driven. “The boys do all the planning and hold leadership roles,” Christensen said. “My seventh-grade son is a patrol leader. He went on a camping trip and led younger scouts in cooking over a fire. Sometimes they mess up, and guess what? They eat burnt pigs in a blanket. But that’s part of learning.”

Scouting fosters independence, confidence, and leadership. “Even my son, who’s only been in Scouts for two years, says speaking in front of a class is easier now,” Christensen said. “I hear frequently from teachers and coaches that scouts display a level of maturity in how they interact with adults. I truly believe that’s because of Scouts.”

Beyond personal growth, the Eagle rank carries real-world benefits. “Colleges and employers recognize it as a major achievement,” Christensen said. “And in some branches of the military, Eagle Scouts start at a higher rank because of the skills they bring.”

The final step in earning Eagle Scout is a formal Board of Review with the Nevada Area Council. “It’s the culmination of all the evaluations they’ve had before, but this time, it’s in front of strangers,” Christensen said. “For our troop, earlier reviews are with familiar parents. But this one—it’s the big kahuna.”

The three new Eagle Scouts will be formally recognized at a troop ceremony and luncheon in early May, marking a proud moment for the scouts, their families, and the Truckee community.