Blind Triplets Advance in Scouting Rank
Troop leader Col. West awards Ollie Cantos with a special recognition at a Court of Honor where his sons Nick, Steven, and Leo (from left to right) earned their Second Class.
Article Highlights
- The triplets, 15, have been blind since birth.
- Nick, Steven, and Leo Cantos received their Second Class advancement in the Scouting program.
“I am so grateful for the Scouting program that enables them to learn these skills and be a part of a great community of other boys. The troop has done so much to integrate them with their peers. Everyone has been blessed because of it.” —Ollie Cantos, triplets' father
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ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Blind triplets advanced to the rank of Second Class in a Court of Honor held September 17, 2014, thanks to hard work and the support of their troop and leaders. The rank advancement demonstrates the power of consistent, faithful service coupled with dedication, hard work, and fun of Scouting.
As Second Class Scouts, boys build upon their outdoor skills including camping, outdoor cooking, orienteering, and swimming. With the help of supportive leaders and fellow Scouts, 15-year-old Nick, Steven, and Leo Cantos, who have been blind since birth, have done all these things.
Christopher Witkowski, Aidan Moloney, and Bingham Moloney are just a few of the boys in the scout troop who have been instrumental in helping the Cantos’ triplets achieve this milestone.
The family’s journey, with the boys' father, Ollie Cantos, in the process of formally adopting the triplets, has been chronicled by a variety of media, including NPR. Brother Cantos is a lawyer in Washington, D.C., and is also blind.
“Whenever I hear my boys call me 'Dad,' it’s the highest compliment in the world to me,” Brother Cantos said. “I am so grateful for the Scouting program that enables them to learn these skills and be a part of a great community of other boys. The troop has done so much to integrate them with their peers. Everyone has been blessed because of it.”
The Court of Honor was held at a meeting house in Alexandria where the family attends church and participates with Boy Scout Troop 601 on Wednesday nights. In addition to receiving the Second Class rank, the Cantos triplets each received two merit badges at the week-long Goshen Boy Scout Camp this summer.
But while the boys are happy with this accomplishment, they say they aren’t going to rest until they each get their Eagle.
