Marysville triplets achieve Eagle Scout rank

Marysville triplets Cory, Zach and Evan Willert spent the past six years fulfilling a mission they started when they were 11 years old.

And at long last, their goal has finally come to fruition.

"It's really rewarding to have it all done and see the final product of all that work," Zach Willert said.

The 18-year-old triplets achieved the rank of Eagle Scout after joining a local Boy Scout troop six years ago. In that time, they looked to each other for help and inspiration as they completed neighborhood projects and put in dozens of community service hours to reach the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.

For Cory Willert, the experience had been rewarding.

"You feel differently when you've gotten it," Cory Willert said. "You feel more grown up, more like a leader."

Cory Willert's final project — which was required to make Eagle Scout rank — was rebuilding leaky flower boxes at his church. His brothers also completed projects that included improvements on the Marysville Historic Cemetery gate, and fixing up the Bishop family plot in the cemetery

More than 2.15 million men have reached the rank of Eagle Scout since it was first awarded in 1912. And because last year marked the 100th anniversary of the Eagle Scout class, all three brothers will receive special centennial badges.

The three brothers wanted to become Eagle Scouts from the beginning, but knew it wouldn't be easy. They joined Troop 647 and began attending its regular meetings.

The first couple years were challenging, Cory Willert said. It took time learning how the organization operated, but Boy Scouts took a lot of their time in general. He estimated that nearly 75 percent of the last six years of his life was invested into the organization's activities.

Being triplets was a crucial component to their success, Evan Willert said.

"We've always had someone to rely on because we've always been together," he said. "I'm not sure I would've got (the Eagle Scout badge) without these two."

Corey Willert was awarded the Eagle Scout rank in November. Evan and Zach Willert were approved in December.

Since then, the triplets have received a lot of recognition from the community, said Kathy Willert, their mother.

"We're all just so proud of them," she said. "They've done so much."

The Boy Scouts will hold an award ceremony for the Eagle Scout recipients later this month.

CONTACT Griffin Rogers at grogers@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4783. Find him on Facebook at /ADgriffinrogers or on Twitter at @ADgriffinrogers.