Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Troop 25 Committee Chair Tom Henderson handed Dylan Kotten his Eagle Scout pin. Kotten’s parents Dan and Shari also received pins for helping their achieve the Scout’s highest rank. (L to R): Tom Henderson, Dan Kotten, Dylan Kotten and Shari Kotten.

NEW ULM — Dylan Kotten, a member of Boy Scout Troop 25, received his Eagle Scout badge Saturday during a special ceremony at Christ the King Church.

Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting. Only four percent of scouts ever achieve this honor. In order to achieve Eagle Scout rank, a scout must earn at least 21 merit badges and the completion of an Eagle Scout Service Project.

Kotten has managed to earn 52 merit badges, which is well above most scout achievements. He said the “Personal Management” merit badge was the most difficult earn. He admitted it took a few tries.

Kotten finished his Service Project over the Summer. The new gaga ball pit in Harman Park was designed and created by Kotten and has proven extremely popular with area youth. Kotten was happy to help introduce the game to the New Ulm community. He decided to the gaga ball pit would be his Eagle Scout project after playing the game a lot at Scout camps.

Mayor Robert Beussman read a proclamation in honor of Kotten’s achievement. Beussman said he felt a great deal of pride in seeing Kotten achieve this rank and look forward to other scouts receiving their Eagle Scout badges.

In his Eagle Scout acceptance speech, Kotten imparted five pieces of wisdom. The first was to never throw fruit in the woods, it might attract the wrong animals.

Second, try to prove people wrong. The idea is to push yourself and show others you can do things they think are impossible.

Third, no one is obligated to help you. Kotten said people will cheer you on from the sidelines, but they won’t necessary help so cherish those who do lend a hand.

Fourth, he encouraged everyone to leave their mark on the community. He achieved this by brining gaga ball to New Ulm.

Last, he reminded everyone that Saturday night was for the boys. Kotten said some of his best memories were the Saturday get togethers with Troop 25 and it was important to make time for friends.