The Black Swamp Area Council of Scouting America honored 76 new Eagle Scouts at its annual Eagle Scout & Youth Recognition Banquet held Saturday evening at the UNOH Event Center in Lima. The event celebrated the Class of 2025—the young people who achieved Scouting’s highest rank, an honor earned by only about 4% of all Scouts.

Mayor Mike McCann of Defiance served as Master of Ceremonies, opening the program following a color guard presentation by the National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) staff and an invocation by Lynne McKenzie, Voice Women’s Ministries Director.

The evening featured remarks from Keynote Speaker Taylor Dietsch, 2024 NMRA Open Comp World Champion, NHRA Factory Stock Showdown driver, business leader, and Eagle Scout from Edgerton, Ohio. Dietsch spoke about perseverance, leadership, and the impact Scouting had on his development—both on and off the track.

Honoring Excellence in Leadership and Service

Council Advancement & Recognition Chair Wayne Dukes recognized two outstanding youth award recipients:

• Glenn A. & Melinda W. Adams Service Project of the Year – Connor Sunderhaus, Troop 95 (New Bremen)
  Sunderhaus designed and led the construction of a life?sized educational eagle nest exhibit at the Grand Lake Visitors Center in St. Marys, enhancing public wildlife education.
• Black Swamp Area Council Eagle Scholarship & Class Representative – Connor Vondrell, Troop 777 (Lima)
  Selected from the 2025 Eagle applicants, Vondrell delivered his essay “What Being an Eagle Scout Means to Me” and received the council’s $1,000 Eagle Scholarship.

Scout Executive Marc Kogan offered remarks commending the class for their perseverance, service, and leadership efforts across northwest Ohio.

Council Commissioner Tom Masterson led the formal introduction of the 2025 Eagle Scout Class, as each Scout crossed the stage to be recognized and to receive their Eagle Council Shoulder Patch. The program concluded with the Eagle Scout Oath, led by Class Representative Vondrell, and a final benediction.

A Community Effort

The council honored the event’s sponsors, whose generous support made the program possible, including:

• Title Sponsors: John & Ann Swearingen
• Presenting Sponsor: Greg Cooper
• Life Sponsors & First Class Sponsors: More than 40 businesses, families, and individuals supporting Scouting across northwest Ohio

The council also recognized parents, volunteer leaders, merit badge counselors, and chartered organizations who supported Scouts on their Trail to Eagle.

A Milestone Celebration for Youth Across Northwest Ohio

The Eagle Scout rank represents years of dedication, leadership development, and community service. In total, Eagle Scouts across the Black Swamp Area Council contributed thousands of service hours in 2025 through their Eagle Scout Service Projects.

Photos of the Dinner can be found at this link