Eagle Scout carries on family tradition

When it comes to the Tucker family of Owatonna and Eagle Scout awards, they are in 3’s Company.
Charlie Tucker has joined his brothers, Trent and Reed, in the family’s tradition of achieving the Eagle Scout distinction. Their father, Eric, has been the leader for BSA Troop 253.
“It’s a great achievement for our family,” said Charlie Tucker, a sophomore at Owatonna High School. “It will help us in all of our future endeavors.”
For his Eagle Scout project, Charlie chose to update the landscaping at Benedictine Living, formerly KODA Living, in Owatonna. Charlie selected plants that attract butterflies and offer color to the residents.  
Charlie organized a group of volunteers to help him with the project, which included removing shrubbery, installing new edging to match existing edging, planting new perennials and spreading mulch.
The project took about 125 hours to complete, with as many as 10 volunteers joining Charlie to finish the work.
Charlie said his mother, Kris, noticed a Facebook posting from Benedictine seeking volunteers to help with projects. “When I saw that, I thought it would be a great project for me,” he said, adding he began developing a plan for the project.
“I’m very pleased with the way the project turned out,” Charlie said. “It’s a huge change from the horrible bushes around the building, and it blends into the rest of the landscaping better.”
Lisa Kern, executive director of Benedictine, said it was a wonderful experience to work with Charlie on this project. “He was responsible and organized with his plan and communicated his schedule with me several times during the project,” she said. “I knew exactly what to expect and what the outcome was going to be.”
Charlie transformed the landscaping into something beautiful, Kern said. “Many of our customers enjoyed watching them work, and their flowers and landscaping will be enjoyed by many for years to come.”
Kern also said it is wonderful to have community members like Charlie support Benedictine’s mission by sharing their talents and skills.
In addition to the service project, Charlie earned 13 required and 21 additional badges to become an Eagle Scout. Charlie has been involved with the program since first grade when he joined as a Cub Scout.
The Eagle Scout rank carries special significance and is considered favorable when applying for colleges, jobs and especially the military. Only 4% of scouts achieve the honor.  
A court of honor to recognize Charlie’s achievement will take place this summer.
Boy Scouts isn’t the only activity that keeps Charlie busy. He is a member of the high school concert band, the jazz band, concert choir, the carolers and the tennis team. He is also a member of the Pratt Commandoes 4-H Club, where he enjoys rabbits, photography and geology.
Asked which of the three had the better Eagle Scout project, Charlie didn’t hesitate to say his oldest brother, Trent, who put together a large landscaping maze out of rocks and wood chips. “His [project] was definitely the most interesting,” Charlie said.
Charlie is just thrilled that he has been able to follow in the footsteps of his older siblings with becoming an Eagle Scout.