Julia and David Ziska have been working with the Boy Scouts for a combined total of 34 years, annually shepherding youngsters into adulthood, molding their values and channeling their ambitions.

This year, the Ziskas proudly announced that 11 members of Troop 457, headquartered at Pinecrest’s Kendall United Methodist Church, 7600 SW 104th St., achieved the coveted rank of Eagle Scout.

Mrs. Ziska said it takes a Scout six to seven years to attain the rank of Eagle and if he started as a Cub Scout, it would be a nine-year undertaking. The boys must accumulate 21 merit badges and perform a 200- to 400-hour community service project.

This year’s gathering of Eagles includes Chip Thresher, Ben Smith, Bobby Rieder, Christopher Azrak, Scott Fischer, Brandt Ventimiglia, Matt Kruse, Drew Glines, Cameron Gallagher, Kevin Condon and Kyle Cox.

"There were some very exciting community service projects this year," Mrs. Ziska said. "Kevin Condon, for example, planned, coordinated and assisted in the planting of 5,000 mangrove seedlings on Key Biscayne’s Cape Florida near Bill Baggs State Park. Kyle Cox did his community service at the Ronald McDonald House, while Cameron Gallagher and Bobby Rieder worked at the We Care Wildlife Center.

Ziska also noted that Gallagher has been accepted to West Point and will become a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy in the fall.

Rieder was just named to the All American LaCrosse Team as the first team goalie; Kyle Cox is an all-county wrestler, and Kruse is an All County football center and achieved honorable mention for All State.

"I’m really proud of my boys," Ziska said. "They’re just really, really outstanding kids."

Ziska began her association with scouting in 1982, when her two sons joined the Cub Scouts. Her husband’s connection came two years earlier. She serves as committee chair and counselor to Troop 457, while her husband is Scoutmaster. Troop 457 has more than 100 Boy Scouts and 65 advisors, making it one of the largest troops in the country.

Over the years the Ziskas have helped a total of 44 youngsters achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.