Wesley Schnell

Long Beach’s Liam Bolz has reached Eagle Scout after nearly 12 years as a member of Troop 215. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement and rank attainable by a Scout in the Scout BSA program.

Since the Eagle Scout award began in 1911, roughly four percent of scouts have ever reached the prestigious rank. The “Trail to Eagle” requires meeting a range of criteria, including holding positions of responsibility and leadership, meeting rank requirements for seven preliminary ranks and earning a total of 21 merit badges ranging from first aid and swimming to environmental science and cooking.

“For me, being a Scout is more than something to just talk about or put on a resume. It has become part of who I am,” Bolz said. “Being a trustworthy, loyal and helpful person describes who I strive to be, and I’ve done my best to adopt those traits as foundations of my values.”

Liam started his “Trail to Eagle” on September 1, 2014 and spent a total of 11 years as a scout before reaching Eagle rank. As a scout, Liam held his troop’s highest position for over three years. After reaching Eagle Scout, he has continued to lead the troop as junior assistant Scoutmaster — a position of responsibility and leadership appointed directly by the Scoutmaster. “He takes the leadership role, but it’s not just his words,” said his father and Scoutmaster Michael Bolz. “It’s his actions, leadership skills and capabilities that have definitely been sharpened by the scouting program.”

Liam’s Eagle Scout Project was one of safety and security. He acquired and installed security safety door stop bars for all of the classrooms and offices in Long Beach Catholic School, where Liam attended kindergarten through eighth grade, graduating in 2022.  The bars provide students, teachers and staff with an additional level of safety and security in the event of a lockdown or lock-in situation.

“As an Eagle Scout, I am a proud member of an organization called Scouting America,” Bolz said. “In this role, I do my best to help others at all times. By this, I mean instilling value-based leadership and service in myself and others. That is what Scouting means to me and has helped shape me into the person I am today.”

Bolz is considered by his peers to be an all-around leader, having participated in numerous community service events and projects, parades, flag retirement ceremonies, and even assisting other Eagle Scouts with their projects.