Nationwide — Helaina, Henri, and Henniyah Rivers, 17-year-old triplets from Brightwaters, New York, have made historical past as the primary African American triplets in america to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. They secured the consideration after finishing a joint service mission at Brightwaters City Corridor.
Henri was the primary to hitch Scouting America. His tales about tenting journeys and benefit badges satisfied his sisters to comply with. In 2019, all three joined Troop 43. That very same 12 months, the troop break up by gender, and Helaina and Henniyah later helped launch Troop 430 for women.
In accordance with Newsday, to achieve Eagle standing, scouts should earn a minimum of 21 benefit badges, tackle a management function, and full a big service mission. For theirs, the triplets labored as a staff to enhance the Brightwaters City Corridor grounds. Helaina put in a 25-foot fiberglass flagpole, Henri set new benches, and Henniyah added paving stones and planter bins.
“The rank of Eagle Scout is the best rank a Scout can obtain and is a key indicator of management means and good character. To have the Rivers triplets all earn Eagle Scout is an incredible achievement,” Scouting America director Scott Armstrong stated in an e mail.
Mayor John Valdini stated the city had lengthy supported Eagle Scout tasks, however this one stood out. The scope of labor, he stated, was an excessive amount of for one particular person. The triplets bought it completed collectively, and the neighborhood appreciated their effort.
Their father, Henri Rivers III, a former scout, guided them alongside the way in which. Their mom, Helen Rivers, stated she at all times knew they might end robust, they usually simply wanted to imagine it.
The triplets additionally obtained the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Neighborhood Management Award for being function fashions of their neighborhood. Sheriff Errol Toulon praised their management and dedication to service.
Subsequent, the siblings plan to take a break from faculty and scouting to give attention to alpine ski racing. They hope to deliver extra variety to the game. In the meantime, they’re encouraging others of their troop to maintain pushing towards their very own Eagle Scout objectives.