by Mike Matzinger
Congratulations to 18-year-old triplets Caleb, Aidan, and Noah Kornblum on earning the rank of Eagle Scout after an 11-year journey defined by perseverance, leadership, and service.
Their achievement was far from easy. While attending Missouri Torah Institute, the brothers balanced demanding academic schedules with scouting responsibilities.
As observant Jews, they also faced unique challenges. Many scouting campouts took place over Shabbat, requiring careful planning and determination to complete the required camping nights while remaining true to their faith. Rather than viewing these obstacles as setbacks, they found ways to honor both their religious commitments and their scouting goals.
Each brother chose a service project that reflected his interests and community connections. Caleb built new garden planters for the Green Center in University City. Noah constructed a boardwalk connecting Missouri Torah Institute to a neighboring community, creating a safer and more accessible pathway for families. Aidan enhanced Faust Park’s Historic Village by building a brick pathway and a firewood rack, preserving an important piece of local history.
“The lesson I will take from my scouting experience is the lesson of grit — not to give up when my plans fall through, not to stop trying when the going gets tough and to never abandon my responsibilities because it is stressful,” Caleb said during the ceremony. “It is these moments that I gained the most from scouting, and it is these moments that make me proud to call myself an Eagle Scout.”
Congratulations to Caleb, Aidan, and Noah on this remarkable milestone and best wishes as they begin the next chapter of their education.