By: Edward Lynn
Editor
CLEAR LAKE, Iowa — Eagle Grove had a standout showing at this year’s Lakeland District Dinner, as three of the eight scouts awarded the prestigious Eagle Scout rank across the district hailed from the same small-town troop.
Michael Umthun, Andrew Vaughn, and Renee Withers, all of Eagle Grove’s Troop 1059, were recognized for achieving the highest honor in scouting. Their achievements marked a banner year for Eagle Grove’s storied troop, whose scouts continue to far outpace the national average for Eagle Scout advancement.
The 2024 class of Eagle Scouts was formally introduced at the district’s annual recognition event, where each scout’s project was described. For Eagle Grove:
- Michael Umthun was honored for his project enhancing the entrance path to the Fish Pond Park monument.
- Andrew Vaughn earned his rank through the installation of new bat boxes at Briggs Woods Park.
- Renee Withers completed her project by installing a much-needed sign for the Eagle Grove Museum.
Withers, notably, is the first female Eagle Scout in Wright County, a groundbreaking achievement that extends Eagle Grove’s legacy as a pioneer in scouting. Her journey through the ranks reflects both personal determination and the supportive environment fostered by local leaders.
Vaughn’s rapid ascent through the scouting ranks set a new local record. He earned the Eagle Scout rank faster than any scout in Eagle Grove’s history, reaching the milestone before his 14th birthday. In addition to this, Vaughn was presented with the Scouting America Distinguished Conservation Service Award at the dinner—an honor which is awarded at the national-level, and earned by only a handful of scouts each year as it is considered, according to Scouting.org, “the highest conservation award available” in American scouting. Vaughn completed not one but three major conservation projects, making him one of the most accomplished scouts in the district.
And, as previously reported, Scoutmaster Rick Dawson was also recognized at the dinner, receiving the prestigious Wood Badge—the highest level of adult training in the scouting program. Dawson revived and completed a community trail project started by a former scout who had been unable to finish due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For Dawson, it was a personal milestone: “We can’t earn Eagle as adults,” he said, “but this was my way of doing the equivalent.”
Dawson and fellow Scoutmaster Craig Voss have mentored dozens of scouts through the program, and this year’s cohort underscores the strength of their leadership and the dedication of Eagle Grove’s scouting community.
In all, 2024 has proven to be a remarkable year for scouting in Eagle Grove. Withers broke barriers, Vaughn set new standards, Umthun carried forward a proud tradition, and Dawson capped a lifetime of service with the highest adult distinction. Their collective success serves as a shining example for what small-town commitment to scouting can achieve.
