Brothers Karl Schmidt Jr. and Nickolaus Schmidt achieved the rank of Eagle Scout on the same night of Aug. 26.

The brothers are Scouts with Troop 57, Neffs.

The troop has been sponsored by the Union United Church of Christ in Neffs since 1934.

Since that time, Troop 57 has sent more than 100 Eagle Scouts into the world.

Karl is number 115. Nickolaus is number 116.

Karl has earned 35 merit badges and with his Eagle Rank receives a Bronze and a Gold Palm.

His Eagle project was a reflection sitting area in the Neffs UCC grove.

The sitting area was planned, cleared and created in an overgrown area of the grove.

Constructed with locally found boulders, reclaimed stone for the benches, steppingstones and a concrete pad landscaped with mulch, it was designed as a quiet area for reflecting.

Karl, a senior at Parkland High School, is on the swim team for the high school and Orchard View Swim Club.

He also plays the trumpet in the Parkland Marching Band and plans on attending college to study civil engineering.

Nickolaus has earned 29 merit badges with his Eagle Rank and receives a Bronze Palm.

He was “Scout of the Year” for Troop 57 his second year in the troop.

His Eagle project was a reflection area gazebo in his brother’s completed area.

The 12-foot octagonal gazebo with pergola roof, cupola and four benches was planned, designed and built on the concrete pad.

The gazebo completed the area with a covered area to reflect and enjoy nature in the grove.

Nickolaus is a sophomore at Parkland High School.

He is on the high honor roll and plays percussion in the Parkland Marching Band.

Both Eagle Scouts started as Tiger Scouts and did double duty as they attended each other’s meetings and activities although two years apart.

They both earned all the Cub Scout ranks as well as the Arrow of Light and the Heavy Shoulder Award.

In Boy Scouts, they both have held Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader and numerous other positions like Chaplain’s Aide, Troop Guide and Den Chief.

They are both members of Order of the Arrow, earning Brotherhood status, the national honor society of Scouting.

The Boy Scouts of America describe it as “Recognizing those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives.”

Both have participated in “Ashes to Graves,” a flag retirement ceremony started with Troop 57 that returns ashes of honorably retired United States Flags to Veterans graves locally and around the world.

Both have enjoyed the “High Adventure” side the past few years with hiking and canoeing treks in New York, sailing adventures in St. Thomas, USVI and a 120 mile ATV Trek with zip lining, rifle and shotgun shooting and river rafting in West Virginia.

Karl Jr. will continue in Scouting in a leadership role.

Nickolaus will continue to earn merit badges, help and lead the younger Scouts while looking forward to more high adventure experiences.

Parents Cathy and Karl Schmidt couldn’t be more proud.