Drew Sinna ’26 and Andrew Nikolai ’28 Earn Eagle Scout Honors

Drew Sinna ‘26 (L) and Andrew Nikolai ‘28 (R) were both recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America program. Their accomplishments reflect years of dedication, leadership, and service - culminating in projects that made a lasting impact on their communities.

Drew Sinna ‘26

Sinna began Scouting in kindergarten at Faithful Shepherd Catholic School and is a member of Troop 9458 in Eagan. He is part of the Order of the Arrow, completed Gray Wolf leadership training, earned the Distinguished Conservation Service Award, and served as a Crew Leader at two high-adventure bases.

At Philmont Scout Ranch, he led a crew on a 10-day, 120-mile backpacking trek. At Sea Base in the Bahamas, he led a five-day sailing trip.

For his Eagle Scout project, Drew built and installed custom cubbies at Faithful Shepherd Catholic School. With help from his troop, friends, and family, he installed eight sets of ten cubbies in August 2025. The project replaced older locker bays and created a more open student space.

He was also awarded the Northern Star Scouting Eagle Scout Scholarship for his achievements in academics, athletics, Scouting, and service.

Andrew Nikolai ‘28

Nikolai completed his Eagle Scout project at the Ordway Nature Center by building an outdoor classroom.

He began by constructing 17 two-person benches with his father, who worked with him throughout the project. They then cleared a 4-by-200-foot path to the site and a 30-by-30-foot classroom area.

To prepare the space, they installed about 1,700 square feet of landscape fabric to prevent regrowth. The cleared brush was shredded, and about 200 cubic meters of wood chips were spread over the area. Volunteers, including CDH student Mateo Chevrier ‘28, helped with this phase.

After placing the benches, the classroom was completed. The project took place over the month of August.

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout requires the completion of a series of rigorous and meaningful milestones. Scouts must earn at least 21 merit badges - 13 of which are required - demonstrate leadership, and plan and execute a substantial service project that benefits their community. Each candidate must also pass a final review board, with all requirements completed before their 18th birthday. Nationwide, fewer than 8 percent of scouts achieve the rank, making it a distinction that reflects exceptional commitment and perseverance.