Triplets CJ, TJ and AJ Grose, pictured from left to right, with Troop 355 of Marysville were each recently named Eagle Scouts. For their projects, CJ added a sidewalk to the softball field at Marysville High School, TJ built tables for the MHS and Bunsold Middle School athletic departments and AJ replaced the dugouts at the Raymond ball park. (Photo submitted)
Doing things together comes naturally for triplets TJ, CJ and AJ Grose – including earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
The trio, sons of Jeff and Angie Grose of Marysville, have been involved in scouting since they joined cub scouts Pack 604 while first graders at Raymond Elementary. They joined Troop 355 of Marysville once they became Boy Scouts.
TJ is a senior at Marysville High School.
He is involved in FFA, 4-H, his church life group and is a team manager for both football and basketball, which led him to his Eagle project.
For his project, TJ chose to build tables for the athletic departments at Bunsold Middle School and MHS. After fundraising and delivering the completed tables, he donated leftover funds to the athletic trainers for any needed supplies.
After graduation, TJ will be attending the Ohio Hi-Point Vocational School and is interested in diesel mechanics.
His favorite memory of scouting was the high adventure trip to Philmont, New Mexico. It was a week-long horseback trip, during which he was elected Crew Chief by his troop.
“I have never heard him complain about his challenges,” said Scout Leader Matt McConnell, referencing TJ’s cerebral palsy.
“Instead, his positive attitude and unwillingness to give up has been an example for the rest of the troop when they are tired, sore or near their limit. He has never looked for an easy option.”
CJ is also a senior at Marysville High School.
He balances school, his church life group, working, scouts, FFA and 4-H with playing football and wrestling.
His favorite memory of scouts was the high adventure pack rafting trip to Mohab Boy Scout Camp in Montana.
Those close to him said he has a big heart and is always eager to help others.
When he learned there was not a sidewalk to the high school softball field, making it difficult for those who use wheelchairs or who have trouble walking on uneven surfaces, he decided to add the needed sidewalk.
“Now, because of CJ and the Boy Scouts, grandparents can easily walk from the closest parking lot to the field on a new sidewalk,” MHS Principal Shawn Williams said,.
CJ plans to go to a trade school after graduation to learn welding and electrical trades, and obtain his CDL license.
AJ is a senior at the Early College High School, where he is involved in the Engineering and Automotive Tech pathways.
Outside of school, AJ is involved in 4-H, his church life group and works.
Before crossing over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, while playing baseball, he told his dad he would replace the dugouts on the field at the Raymond ball park for his Eagle Scout project.
Seven years later, he did exactly that.
It was an extensive project that took nearly two years to complete, from start to finish.
AJ’s original cub scout pack leader Gary Adkins congratulated AJ and said, “It has been an amazing honor to watch AJ grow, mature and achieve this honor.”
AJ earned more than the 21 required merit badges – his favorite is the shooting merit badge – so he will also receive palms for his achievement.
After graduation, AJ plans on attending a trade school to combine his two interests of electrical engineering and automotive technology.
While active in Troop 355, all three boys held various leadership roles and were elected into the Order of the Arrow by their fellow scouts. It is a National Honor Society that recognizes those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives.
Their parents said they know not all complete the path to Eagle Scout, especially in light of the pandemic, and to say they are proud of their sons is “an understatement.”