Ruston’s Riley Moegle has landed

Only about 6% of eligible Scouts in the Boy Scouts of America organization achieve the rare rank of Eagle Scout each year; however, one of Ruston’s very own has done just that.

Ruston High School Class of 2023 graduate Riley Moegle was recently honored for achieving the highest rank of the Boy Scouts of America — the distinguished Eagle Scout rank. Moegle is the son of Steele and Forest Moegle and a member of Troop 45, chartered by Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston.

Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges, 14 of which are mandatory for the award. The Eagle Scout must demonstrate Scout Spirit, an ideal attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages.

“Along his trail to Eagle, Riley earned 32 merit badges, completed various outdoor and academic skills, held a variety of leadership positions within his troop,” said Charlie Hood, Committee Member for Troop 45. “And with the assistance of his fellow scouts, family and friends, he completed his Eagle project by rebuilding the decking of a fishing pier at Lincoln Parish Park.”

After participating in Cub Scouts for several years, Moegle began with Boy Scouts at age 13. Motivated to get involved due to an interest in helping younger kids have a good time, he gravitated toward helping them learn about responsibility and leadership. For him, it was a good fit.

“Actually, my favorite part has been the downtime whenever we’re camping,” Moegle said. “ We usually play card games and just relax. It’s a good environment.”

Moegle admitted that while becoming an Eagle Scout was always a goal, he managed to wander from it during his middle grade years. However, thanks to the help of some tremendous leaders and mentors, he was able to come through and get things done when it counted.

“It was very meaningful whenever all the adults in my troop stepped up with advice on how to do the hardest parts, specifically my Eagle Scout Project at the park,” he said. “All of my troop leaders and many different adults stepped forward with advice or just helped me physically. I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Moegle specifically notes the role of Gary Kleinpeter, Troop Advancement Chair and an Eagle Scout himself.

“Mr. Gary was my main mentor and met with me when the deadline was approaching,” Moegle said. “He really helped me hammer out my final requirements.”

As an Eagle Scout, Moegleis presentedwith a medal and badge that visibly recognizes his accomplishments. With plans to attend Louisiana Tech University this fall to major in physics, Moegle can already see how his journey to Eagle Scout will help him not only navigate his college years, but life in general.

“I think what I’ve learned about leadership and getting stuff done has forever changed how I’m going to approach problems,” Moegle added. “And I’m always going to be active whenever anything is happening, even if I’m not a leader, because that can usually lighten the load.”

Moegle also believes working toward the rank of Eagle Scout is something other young Scouts should consider. Understanding the process, he has words of wisdom he wished he had internalized himself at a younger age.

“Get a jump on the work,” he said. “I waited too long for some important stuff and made the process messier than I would have liked. And while I would definitely get advice and help from adults, it’s a learning experience for leadership and responsibility. So, don’t get dragged through the process. Just make it count.”