Staff photo by Fritz Busch Shari Kotten, right, pins the Eagle Scout medal on her son, Joey Kotten at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Ulm Saturday. Joey Kotten’s father and Troop 25 Scoutmaster Dan Kotten is pictured at left.

NEW ULM — Joey Kotten humbly spoke after his mother Shari pinned the Eagle Scout medal on him during a Troop 25 Court of Honor at Christ the King Lutheran Church Saturday.

“There have been many mentors in my life that led to this moment,” said Kotten.

“I remember sitting here five years ago when my brother Dylan became an Eagle Scout. I thought, I wanted to be like him. Looking back, I see a young Cub Scout. Dylan was my biggest mentor.”

Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of scouts earned the rank after a lengthy review process. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges, 14 of which are mandatory for the award.

Joey Kotten earned 49 merit badges.

“I hope all Eagle Scout candidates get the level of guidance that I did. I thank every Eagle Scout for being people I can look up to,” he added.

“Thank you Dylan (Kotten). You’ve given me guidance and wisdom to lead every day. What if I had never joined the Boy Scouts? I guess we’ll never know,” Joey Kotten said.

Joey Kotten also received a certificate of commendation of New Ulm Mayor Kathleen Backer. She praised him for his Minnesota Legislature testimony for Oak Hills Living Center funding earlier this year.

“You were so well prepared, confident and spoke so well,” Backer said of Joey Kotten. “I’m happy to know Joey Kotten. Best wishes in your future. I know we’ll be looking up to you.”

Dan Kotten described his son Joey.

“His interests are pickle-ball, music, tennis, friends and a part-time job. I think his greatest talent is music. He was a drummer age 10 and a professional at 15. He plays with the Josh Norman Music Meisters, the Sleepy Eye Concertina Band, he created his own band and he sings,” Dan Kotten said.

“Joey, you’re scouting is not ending. Your mom and I can’t wait to see where it takes you,” Dan Kotten added.

Retired Troop 25 Scout Leader Tom Henderson of New Ulm talked about becoming an Eagle Scout.

“It’s a position of honor and responsibility, duty to God, country, community, fellow scouts and leaders,” Henderson said.

“I think this troop has done an excellent job. Eagle Scouts lead in the highest level of service to God and their fellow men. There are too many people dedicated to strengthen themselves for selfish ends,” added Henderson.

“Aim for clean living, honest work, citizenship, loyalty, courage and service to be a living example of the Scout Oath to the best of your ability. Live with honor. Reflect credit on your home, place of worship, friends. Be loyal, true to yourself and courageous,” Henderson said.