Palmyra soccer standout Kasen Bixler earns Eagle Scout honor
Palmyra senior Kasen Bixler has had a school year to remember and it's not even half over yet.
Not only did Bixler help the Palmyra boys soccer team to a thrilling season that included a berth in the 3A district finals and a trip to the PIAA state playoffs, leading the team in assists and earning Mid-Penn Conference all-star honors along the way, he had a big fall away from the pitch while earning his Eagle Scout badge.
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A Boy Scout since 2014, Bixler worked his way through the various levels (Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life) before reaching Eagle Scout status. It was a journey that he successfully completed, as required before his 18th birthday, despite obstacles such as the COVID-19 pandemic and a busy sports schedule.
In fact, Bixler outdid himself and then some, earning 81 merit badges, 60 more than the required 21, on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout.
In addition, he earned four Silver Palms, with silver being the highest Palm that can be achieved, and received the following awards and distinctions: Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Order of the Arrow Ordeal member, Kittatinny Award, Totin Chip, National Outdoor Award, Outdoor Achievement Camping Award, Outdoor Achievement Conservation Award, Outdoor Achievement Aquatics Award, BSA World Conservation Award, 50th Anniversary Environmental Protection Agency Award. He also completed the mile swim and received the Kayaking BSA.
And he did so while not only competing in soccer at Palmyra, but also football, swimming, wrestling and track and field through his high school years.
For his Eagle Scout project, Bixler chose a church beautification project. He had a fence built to disguise the church's AC unit, and after the fence was completed he had the area cleared and new landscaping added to the entire area. For good measure, he had the building power washed.
For his efforts in scouting, Bixler, who is also involved in the Wreaths Across America project, has received multiple citations from the FBI, the US Senate, the PA Senate, US House of Representatives, PA House of Representatives, multiple military organizations, American Legion, Sons of the American Revolution, US Submarine Veterans, and Boys Scouts of America.
As for his future plans. they include either continuing to play soccer and run track in college and major in Computer Science or going into the military.
This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Palmyra soccer standout Kasen Bixler earns Eagle Scout honor
