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 glory after finishing a joint service undertaking at Brightwaters City Corridor.
Henri was the primary to affix Scouting America. His tales about tenting journeys and advantage badges satisfied his sisters to observe. In 2019, all three joined Troop 43. That very same yr, the troop break up by gender, and Helaina and Henniyah later helped launch Troop 430 for women.
In keeping with Newsday, to succeed in Eagle standing, scouts should earn a minimum of 21 advantage badges, tackle a management position, and full a major service undertaking. For theirs, the triplets labored as a workforce 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 packing containers.
“The rank of Eagle Scout is the best rank a Scout can obtain and is a key indicator of management capability 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 initiatives, however this one stood out. The scope of labor, he stated, was an excessive amount of for one particular person. The triplets received it accomplished collectively, and the group appreciated their effort.
Their father, Henri Rivers III, a former scout, guided them alongside the way in which. Their mom, Helen Rivers, stated she all the time knew they may end sturdy, they usually simply wanted to consider it.
The triplets additionally obtained the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Group Management Award for being position fashions of their group. Sheriff Errol Toulon praised their management and dedication to service.
Subsequent, the siblings plan to take a break from college and scouting to give attention to alpine ski racing. They hope to deliver extra range to the game. In the meantime, they’re encouraging others of their troop to maintain pushing towards their very own Eagle Scout targets.