Nationwide — Helaina, Henri, and Henniyah Rivers, 17-year-old triplets from Brightwaters, New York, have made history as the first African American triplets in the United States to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. They secured the honor after completing a joint service project at Brightwaters Town Hall.
Henri was the first to join Scouting America. His stories about camping trips and merit badges convinced his sisters to follow. In 2019, all three joined Troop 43. That same year, the troop split by gender, and Helaina and Henniyah later helped launch Troop 430 for girls.
According to Newsday, to reach Eagle status, scouts must earn at least 21 merit badges, take on a leadership role, and complete a significant service project. For theirs, the triplets worked as a team to improve the Brightwaters Town Hall grounds. Helaina installed a 25-foot fiberglass flagpole, Henri set new benches, and Henniyah added paving stones and planter boxes.
“The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest rank a Scout can achieve and is a key indicator of leadership ability and good character. To have the Rivers triplets all earn Eagle Scout is an amazing achievement,” Scouting America director Scott Armstrong said in an email.
Mayor John Valdini said the town had long supported Eagle Scout projects, but this one stood out. The scope of work, he said, was too much for one person. The triplets got it done together, and the community appreciated their effort.
Their father, Henri Rivers III, a former scout, guided them along the way. Their mother, Helen Rivers, said she always knew they could finish strong, and they just needed to believe it.
The triplets also received the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Community Leadership Award for being role models in their community. Sheriff Errol Toulon praised their leadership and commitment to service.
Next, the siblings plan to take a break from school and scouting to focus on alpine ski racing. They hope to bring more diversity to the sport. Meanwhile, they’re encouraging others in their troop to keep pushing toward their own Eagle Scout goals.