The story of Annabelle and Daniel Broadway’s involvement in Scouting is more than just a tale of extracurricular achievement—it's a reflection of family values, community engagement, and the lasting power of mentorship. Living in the richly diverse Unity Point Elementary School District, nestled near Southern Illinois University, the Broadway siblings are growing up in an environment where academic pursuits, community service, and personal development are equally prioritized.

For Annabelle, the road to Scouting success has been one of dedication, leadership, and resilience. As she approaches the completion of her Eagle Scout project, Annabelle reflects on the skills she has gained— everything from knot-tying to project management. But her journey is not just about learning practical skills; it’s about building character and serving her community in meaningful ways. Scouting, she says, has taught her the value of perseverance and has shown her what it means to lead by example.

Annabelle’s Eagle Scout project, a labor of love, is set to benefit the local community in a way that will leave a lasting impact. Her choice of project, though still under wraps during our conversation, promises to address a real need within the community. It’s not just a physical task she’s undertaking but a legacy she’s crafting, one that her younger brother Daniel and others in her troop will one day look up to. Annabelle’s role in Scouting has been more than that of a participant; she’s become a role model for other young scouts and an embodiment of what it means to serve selflessly.

Daniel, on the other hand, is still in the early stages of his Scouting journey, but under the mentorship of his sister and the guidance of their troop leader—who happens to be their mother—he is already making his mark. Daniel’s enthusiasm for Scouting is infectious. Whether he’s learning fire safety techniques or how to pitch a tent, Daniel approaches each task with a combination of curiosity and excitement. He may be the younger sibling, but Daniel looks up to Annabelle with admiration and is eager to follow in her footsteps— perhaps even earning his own Eagle Scout rank one day. The sibling dynamic between Annabelle and Daniel is one of camaraderie and mutual support, a testament to how family values can shape individual growth.

But what makes their story truly unique is the involvement of their mother, who serves not only as a parent but as both a Troop Leader and a Pack Leader. Balancing the dual roles of guide and guardian, she has created a space within the troop and den where her children—and other scouts—feel supported, encouraged, and challenged to do their best. She has fostered an environment that goes beyond Scouting badges and merit, instead focusing on life lessons that will serve the scouts long after they leave the troop. Her leadership has instilled in Annabelle and Daniel a sense of responsibility to their community, a lesson they will carry with them into adulthood.

The Broadway family's involvement in Scouting is not just a personal endeavor but a community effort. Scouting, for them, is a vehicle through which they can give back to the place that has nurtured them. Annabelle’s Eagle Scout project is one tangible example, but there are countless smaller acts of service the Broadway siblings have performed— from helping at local events to leading younger scouts on hiking trips. These moments may not come with a badge or certificate, but they embody the true spirit of Scouting— service, leadership, and community.

At the heart of their story is a deep-rooted belief in the power of Scouting to transform lives. For Annabelle, Scouting has helped her grow into a confident, capable leader. For Daniel, it’s teaching him the skills and values that will guide him in the years ahead. And for their mother, it’s an opportunity to give back to the community by helping shape the next generation of leaders.

The Unity Point Elementary School District, with its diverse population and close proximity to a major university, is fortunate to have students like Annabelle and Daniel Broadway. Their commitment to Scouting and their community serves as a reminder that leadership is not confined to the classroom or the boardroom—it’s nurtured in spaces like their troop meetings, on camping trips, and through acts of service that leave a lasting impression.

In a world where young people are often criticized for their lack of engagement, the Broadway pair stand out as shining examples of what can be achieved when community, family, and mentorship come together. Their story is not just one of Scouting achievements but one of how young people can rise to the occasion and make a meaningful impact when given the right tools, support, and opportunities.