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Annika Chandler Earns Eagle Award

 

MAY 23, 2024




In early 2019, Boy Scouts of America, a.k.a. “Boy Scouts,” changed its name to “Scouts BSA” – a change meant to welcome both boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 17. Annika Chandler’s sister, Elle Chandler, quickly seized the opportunity to join Scouts BSA with Troop 7091 in September of 2019, one of the first all girl troops in Saint Paul. Annika Chandler not being old enough for the Troop found a home at Saint Thomas More Cub Scouts Pack 9045. Saint Thomas More was one of the first Packs in the district to welcome girls when Boy Scouts of America opened their Cub Scout memberships to girls in 2018.

This change also meant young women could realize their dreams of becoming Eagle Scouts, the organization’s coveted highest rank, which can offer lifelong academic and professional benefits.

In February 2024, Annika Chandler became the second female Eagle Scout in Troop 7045, which is sponsored by our parish. Annika earned this distinction along with earning two palm awards for going above and beyond earning the required 22 merit badges needed for an Eagle Award and a the Catholic Emblem showing her reverence to our Lord.

“When I was awarded Eagle I felt so accomplished. Now that my goal is complete, I can seek new goals to accomplish. I won’t completely leave behind this chapter in my life. I will bring all the life long lessons Scouts has taught me and apply it to my future goals and daily life," said Annika.

Troop 45 has been a fixture in the Saint Thomas More Community for over 70 years. Troop 7045 was created and welcomed into the Saint Thomas More Community in 2021, after Annika and Elle Chandler, approached Saint Thomas More about starting a new girls troop with Saint Thomas More as their chartered organization. It was important to them that the chartered organization be Catholic so that their faith would be supported throughout their scouting journey. Troop 45 at Saint Thomas More was the first Catholic scouting troop to welcome girls in the St. Paul area and the first linked Troop in Saint Paul.

Annika’s achievements do not stop at Eagle Scout. She is student at St. Agnes School, where she never misses the headmaster’s list and has received the academic award of achievement. She is also dedicated to her physical fitness which includes her top sports tennis, fencing and swimming. While Annika takes in all the good things the world has to offer, she always remember to put the most important thing first… her faith and commitment to God.  

“From Monday meetings, to living on a sailboat for a week in Florida, Scouts is full of amazing experiences. Through these experiences you are constantly learning new things. I have also had amazing opportunities to grow in my leadership skills. However, the most important thing I am taking away from scouts is my character. I learned how to be a better person through the scout Oath and law," said Annika.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest recognition that Scouting offers to a Scout. It is earned through an advancement program, and only a small percentage of scouts who begin in Scouting are recognized with the honor. The wearer of the Eagle Scout award is the epitome of Scouting’s best efforts and beliefs. 

"Annika worked hard and diligently to complete all of the required merit badges and leadership needed to earn the rank of Eagle Scout," said scoutmaster Colleen Galloway. "Her project at the St. Paul Cathedral was one that took lots of communication and project management skills in order to succeed. I am very proud of Annika as she continues to serve the scouts in Troop 45 as the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader mentoring other scouts towards their goal of Eagle.”    
In the Fall of 2023, Annika Chandler completed her eagle project at her parish the Cathedral of Saint Paul. She restored a World War II monument in the courtyard. 

“Annika’s search for an Eagle project was not easy," said Angel Chandler, Annika’s mom and assistant scoutmaster. "She was turned down three times before approaching Father Ubel at the Cathedral. When he presented the idea of restoring the World War II monument, she was over the moon. This project allowed her to display her love for God and her sincere love and respect for those who gave their lives for our freedom.”

As a parish community, we want to congratulate Annika on her success as Troop 45’s most recent recipient of the Eagle scout Award! If you or your child (ages 11-18) would like to get involved with Scout Troop 45, please email scout leader Colleen Galloway at colleengalloway@usa.net.



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