RIVER FALLS — It can be a long process, arduous for a Boy Scout to become an Eagle Scout, taking years of hard work to complete the checklist and earn the achievement. Three River Falls boys reached this lofty goal, receiving certificates with Mayor Dan Toland and State Sen. Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond) in attendance March 9 at the American Legion in River Falls.

Bridger Graf, a 14-year-old, has received 28 merit badges, double the required 14 badges. The most rewarding of these badges was cycling, traveling 150 miles to earn it. He has earned perfect attendance two years in a row and is active with the River Falls Music Department and the junior bowling program.

Nic Toffolon, 18, has completed 29 merit badges while holding onto a 3.98 GPA in high school. Toffolon helped launch the high school’s robotics team and participates in forensics, track and field and stage crew for the musical.

“It took a lot of work to get to, and we really did have to work for it,” Toffolon said. “So getting this goal finished and project completed, it was very rewarding.”

Corbin Wild, 17, has been involved in scouting since age five. He has completed 36 merit badges and holds many leadership positions in his troop. Wild was selected for scouting’s national honor society, the Order of the Arrow, in 2024. With a 4.0 GPA and a 33 ACT, Wild has been just as accomplished in the classroom. He is a member of the high school’s Math Club and has competed with the team for four years.

“It’s a great honor. Not a lot of people definitely make it there,” Wild said.

Mayor Dan Toland presented the boys with certificates and letters while sharing the city’s congratulations and Stafsholt presented legislative citations signed by himself and State Rep. Shannon Zimmerman (R-River Falls).

“I definitely was not expecting them to show up,” Graf said.

“I think it shows how important this award is,” Toffolon said. “We did a project that made a difference in our community, and we’ve got politicians and the mayor and stuff coming in to show that this really does mean something.”

Becoming an Eagle Scout is not just something that happens; it takes years of work to check the boxes.

“It always built up to this is the goal that all scouts aspire to finally become an Eagle Scout,” Toffolon said. “Achieving this goal, that’s what kept pushing me through it.”

Graf is the youngest of the three to complete the journey, and Wild and Toffolon said it is impressive he met all the requirements already at age 14.

To become an Eagle Scout, each scout is required to do a large project that benefits the community. Toffolon made map signs for the trails behind Hoffman Park. Graf took to Willow River State Park, using $3,142 of fundraised money and help from 39 people to build a suspension bridge, wooden drum set, cement hopscotch and stepping logs. Wild was at the same park and did some revitalization work. Wild also erected a sign crediting a previous scout who completed a project at the same spot.

“It’s kind of finding that fine-tuned balance between taking your time and also not just bunching everything up toward the end,” Wild said.

Toffolon, who cut it close, becoming an Eagle Scout two months before the cutoff at age 18, said people should be willing to ask for help, because sometimes you cannot do everything alone even if you want to. Graf shared a similar sentiment.

“Just don’t put too much pressure on yourself, or else you’re not going to get anything done,” Graf said. “Or you will get it done, and it will be scrappy at best.”

While becoming an Eagle Scout is an achievement to remember, the trio also looked back on all their fond memories as Boy Scouts.

“It’s kind of the taste of freedom,” Wild said. “You’re in the wilderness and there’s some stressful moments, but you also kind of bond more.”

Graf said the best part of scouts is just going to the meetings and connecting with people.