(WNN) Woodbury – He is the life and soul of any big occasion, and he just earned his Eagle Scout. His other interests are certainly not just co-stars.
Mitchell is also a wrestler, football player and weightlifter for Woodbury High School. Mitchell sings and attends church – he has powerful golden tones that’s been heard at the kick-off of the annual Miracle League Games and at Veteran’s Day Commemorations over the years in Woodbury. He has sung since he won a competition at the ripe age of 8 years old.
“When I see you Mitchell, I know I’ll have a good day”, is something that Mitchell Folks’ Scout Master, Kevin Stratton, reminded him each morning. Stratton recalls many fond memories and hilarious instances throughout Mitchell’s scouting career.
On January 14th, 2025, Mitchell Folks from Troop 196, Woodbury, successfully completed his Eagle Board of Review. He earned his Eagle Scout rank at 17 years old.
One of the requirements to earn Eagle is to complete merit badges; Mitchell far surpassed goals by earning 29 badges, as well as multiple awards. Some of his favorite accomplishments and experiences, thanks to the merit badges, were Space Exploration, Sailing, and an Aviation Badge including search and rescue.
But merit badges only tell part of the story about Mitchell. Mitchell is laser focused on the love of family, his faith, his group of scout friends, his group of football friends and his group of wrestling friends, and how they have fun doing it all.
“They have made me a better friend. The people and activities have made me get good at doing hard things. I have enjoyed learning leadership skills. And, because of this we have a good crack at getting the wresting team to State this year!,” Mitchell excitedly shares.
One of his favorite memories in Scouting is completing a 22-mile hike of the Black Hills last July – this was the second hike of the Black Hills. This year, Mitchell will be backpacking in New Mexico, participating in very adventurous activities.
For his Eagle project, Mitchell with other scouts renovated, restored, and redecorated five tables/benches behind the Woodbury High School Football Field.
He undertook this project to beautify an eating and socializing place for the Woodbury Sports Families – giving them a fun and sanitary place to assemble.
It was a worthwhile project, he says, with more than 130 hours put into the project. Parents of Troop 196 were generous; Sherwin Williams was more than generous with the paint supply, and Uncle Mark provided the timber. Mitchell spends a lot of time at Woodbury High School, so the project was important to him.
“Going up in front of The Review Board was tough and the gentlemen interviewing me were tough, but I knew they had my best interest in mind,” Mitchell says.
Wrestling participation means hitting the mats six times a week – with the goal of a State Title. His next goal is to gain weight to make Heavy Weight. Four times a week you’ll also see him warming up with the Woodbury High School Football team. And another Folks plays on the team – Mitchell’s brother Maverick.
It’s impossible to discount the phenomenal feat and all the experiences he’s had in his young life, but Mitchell takes it all in his stride.
Scout Master Kevin Stratton recalls the first time he met Mitchell. “Mitchell was on the first hike to the Black Hills. He was about 10 years old, and his backpack was almost as big as Mitchell, the tent was dragging close to the ground and the portable stove all jammed in there.”
