Local student reaches new heights
Ryan Steinberg, 16 achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest attainable in Boy Scouting. Steinberg stands before the 25 foot flagpole erected at the Cherry Hill Park BMX track for his final project.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Steinberg
COEUR d’ALENE — Joining the ranks of distinguished youth who achieved Eagle Scout status is Coeur d’Alene High School student Ryan Steinberg, 16. Steinberg finished his Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout project in August and recently sat for the final board review.
As a member of Troop 209 since the age of 8, one of the biggest gifts received from years of participation are the life skills he has learned, from knowing what to do in an emergency and surviving in the woods to “following a positive path” as he enters adulthood, Steinberg said.
For his final project Steinberg orchestrated installation of a 25-foot flagpole at the Cherry Hill Park BMX track behind Fire Station 3 on 15th Street. The project took 92 hours of planning and building. Had it been paid for out of pocket it would have cost $1,062. Steinberg rallied community members, friends and family to complete the job.
“As for what it takes to build a 25-foot flag pole, we first needed the aluminum tube for the pole,” Steinberg said. “I reached out to CDA Metals where Gerhard Tedl was able to donate the aluminum and give thoughts as to how the project could be successful.”
Steinberg procured supplies and donations from Home Depot, U-Rent and Western States CAT that provided the skid steer and auger attachment to dig the hole.
Tim Wheeler, the operator of the BMX track, was enthused about the project and will raise and lower the flag at every race, Steinberg said.
“It was great — the moment we got (the flag pole) up into the base,” Steinberg said. “It was actually happening.”
Twenty feet from Steinberg’s flagpole sits a set of bleachers that older brother Jake, completed in 2013 for his own Eagle Scout project.
Troop 209 is small, and Steinberg is one of the oldest members. Under the leadership of Alberto Aranda, Steinberg serves as Troop Guide, tasked with welcoming newcomers and setting an example.
To reach Eagle rank, scouts exemplify leadership, service and responsibility. They must earn at least 21 merit badges in categories like first aid, communication, citizenship, environmental science, personal fitness and management, and camping.
It is estimated that less than 4% of Boy Scouts reach the rank of Eagle. Several notable Americans have reached the rank and gone on to greatness, such as Mike Rowe from the Discovery Channel, former President Gerald Ford, Sam Walton, founder of Walmart and Sam’s Club and William Gates Sr., of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.