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Eagle Scout Court of Honor Awarded to Elle Chandler of Troop 45

MAY 10, 2023




Elle Chandler joined Scouts BSA in September, 2019, an opportunity that would not have been available to her the year before. You read that right. Young women weren’t able to join scouts until early 2019, when the organization’s older youth program, formally known as “Boy Scouts,” changed its name to “Scouts BSA” – a change meant to welcome both boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 17.

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.

"I am so thankful that these opportunities are now available to girls. The opportunity to be in scouts has changed my life. I also just love the wilderness survival aspect. I would suggest any girl interested should come visit us. The girls in our troop are welcoming, friendly and fun!" said Elle when asked what it meant to her as a young woman being welcomed into scouts.

Late last month, Elle Chandler became the first female Eagle Scout linked to BSA Scout troop 45, which is sponsored by our parish. Elle 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. 

"When I was awarded Eagle I felt so happy that I achieved something that I never thought was possible. I learned that taking small steps in the right direction could help you accomplish things you didn't even think were possible." said Elle.

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 Elle and her sister, Annika, 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 scouting troop to welcome girls in the St. Paul area.

A student at St. Agnes School, Elle has been the Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 7045 since its founding. The troop has grown from 5 scouts to 16 scouts under Elle’s leadership.

The Scouts in the Troop not only go on amazing adventures and learn new skills, but are also given an opportunity to develop a strong character, good citizenship skills and learn to be a leader in the community around them. "It has given me an opportunity to be a leader and explore what I want to do when I grow up. The relationships I have built with the other scouts will be life long." said Elle.

“She has set a great example for all of those in Troop 45,’ says Scout Leader Colleen Galloway, who recently was awarded Scout Master of the Year at the District Awards Dinner, ‘This is an occasion for pride and joy, as well as a time for serious reflection.” 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.

In the summer of 2022, Elle Chandler completed her eagle project at Dodge Nature Center.  She managed to build a 12 foot gate that replaced an old gate that was no longer useful.  Dodge Nature Center is near and dear to Elle’s heart, as she went to preschool there.  

Old Fence - Dodge Nature Center    New Fence - Dodge Nature Center

“The support and freedom that the preschool gave to Elle definitely was a huge factor in her love and respect for the great outdoors and her responsibility of stewardship of all god's creations.” said Angel Chandler, Elle’s mom and assistant scoutmaster, who also won a recent award naming her assistant scoutmaster of the year for District I. 

Elle is a role model for all scouts, especially the littles in Cub Scouts. Jeff Radke, cubmaster of the parish’s elementary school pack, explained Elle’s leadership quality as inspiring,  “Elle has been a role model to my son and daughter since she started scouting. We have forty kids in the parish's cub pack right now who want to be like Elle and follow in her steps.”

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





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