Farmers Weekly Review

Joshua Klootwyk is one of those kids who just seems to excel at everything he does.
He was a straight-A junior (with some A-pluses) at Kankakee Trinity Academy last year, taking honors courses while also attending Kankakee Community College for a dual-credit math class.
He is in National Honor Society, and is attending Olivet Nazarene University over the summer and in the fall, for both his senior year of high school and college courses. He plays soccer and boys volleyball.
And now, to no one’s surprise, he is an Eagle Scout.
Joshua started as a little Bobcat in 2012, and by the time he was a full-fledged Scout in 2017, he was a Patrol Leader, respected and admired by his peers. In March this year, he earned the title Quartermaster.
A Peotone resident, he is the son of Rachel and Mike Klootwyk.
He began his scouting career with Peotone Troop 315, and finished, 126 merit badges later, with Troop 561 in St. John, Indiana.
He completed his required community service project last year, planning, organizing and supervising the construction of outdoor “catios” and a memorial garden for New Beginnings Cat Shelter in Bourbonnais.
“Becoming an Eagle Scout,” Joshua said, “meant that I finally accomplished becoming the person I’ve always thought I could be.”
According to the essay “100 Scouts,” read during his recent Eagle Court of Honor by Sophia Rodriquez, “Only one in four boys in America will become a Scout, but it is interesting to know that of the leaders of this nation in business, religion, and politics, three out of four were Scouts.
“Each of the 100 will learn something from scouting,” the reading continues. “Almost all will develop hobbies that will add interest throughout the rest of their lives. Many will serve in the military and in varying degrees profit from their scout training. At least one will use it to save another person’s life, and many will credit it with saving their own.
“Today we honor one Scout in a hundred. We know the things he has done in the past; imagine what he will do in the future.”
Joshua’s parents are understandably proud.
“Joshua never ceases to amaze me,” his father said.
“He always excels at everything he does. He puts so much effort into everything. He never gives up and keeps pushing forward to achieve his goals. There is no limit on what he can accomplish. I am so proud of him and look forward to see what he will accomplish next.”
For his mother, who actively participated in his scouting adventures, “It’s a bittersweet occasion for me. I’m beyond proud of all the accomplishments Joshua has achieved in his life in all he does. “But I’m sad knowing that my little boy is growing up. We have had so many memories and fun times through scouting. I don’t want it to end. I’ll definitely miss it.”
Those participating in his Court of Honor included former Scoutmaster Buck Olson; Master of Ceremonies Joshua Zapata; Color Guard Hunter Wilson, Matthew Tuftedal, Ryan Gundelach; Heather Tuftedal, who gave opening remarks; Noah Tuftedal, GabeBellar and BJ Olson, who gave the Eagle Charge; Erik Tuftedal, who made the Eagle Award Presentation; Mary Zapata, Jeannie Bellar and Sophia Rodriquez, who gave readings; and Pastor Brad Prairie, who gave the invocation.
“God, we thank you for the opportunity to come together as family, friends, leaders and fellow scouts on this significant day in the life of Joshua Robert Klootwyk,” Pastor Prairie said.
“ Today is a celebration of a journey, a journey full of challenges, friendship, struggles, and, occasionally, a little fun. Today, we think of all the Merit Badges earned along the way, the oaths committed to, the character this young man developed, and the service to our community he worked so hard to bring about. Little by little, month by month and year by year, he was faithful and we celebrate his faith, commitment, and hard work.
“So we ask for your blessing on Joshua, his family who supported and encouraged him, and his fellow scouts who helped him along the way. Bless the scout leaders, Troop 561, and all those who are here physically or in Spirit. Continue to walk with Joshua as he takes these next steps in becoming the scout and the person you desire him to be.
“Amen.”