17-year-old triplets Helaina, Henri IV, and Henniyah Rivers are the first Black triplets in the U.S. to formally earn their Eagle Scout status, according to CBS New York.
After meeting the Suffolk County Sheriff at the age of eleven and explaining their desire to give back through community service, the Brightwaters, Long Island, siblings began the six-year journey to earn this achievement.
They then focused on scouting, obtaining merit badges, and participating in service projects to enhance public places in their hometown.
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The Rivers triplets, who are now high school grads, are demonstrating the connection between excellence and service. They have already set their minds on the next major objective, which is to represent their mother’s native Jamaica in alpine skiing at the next Winter Olympic trials, now that they have achieved their historic scouting milestone.
“We’re just very thankful to have such loving, supportive parents guiding us through it all,” Henniyah told CBS New York.
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The triplets decided to represent Jamaica in Alpine Skiing even though they were born and raised in North America.
Henri Rivers, the Rivers siblings’ father, introduced them to skiing. Through his hard effort over the years, the sport has gained popularity, especially among Black people. He also serves as their coach.
“We all love being together, especially skiing together,” Henniyah told FIS. “Our mom also skis, so we’re always together, travelling to different places… Being able to ski really means a lot to us because our dad introduced us to this sport.
“Being able to continue skiing with him makes him happy, and it makes us excited to be on the snow.”
Henniyah characterized herself as an upbeat individual who cherishes her friendships and her time spent in self-reflection. Helaina enjoys spending time with those closest to her, as well as giving back to her community. Henri, on the other hand, describes himself as an inside person who spends his free time playing video games and shooting hoops.
Despite their differences, the three encourage one another to pursue their ambitions and dreams. Despite their young age, the triplets have embraced the concept of forging a route for others, which includes questioning the skiing status quo and advocating change and inclusion.
“It is very inspiring and heartwarming to be able to do this and meet the younger generations; the young Black athletes who want to be outside and get involved in snow sports,” said Helaina.
“I also just love what [we] do – representing the Black community in snow sports is really important to me because there are not many in this sport,” added Henniyah.
Henri and Henniyah competed in the Youth Olympics last year, but Helaina was unable to participate due to injuries. Now, they look forward to participating in Milano-Cortina 2026.
“Competing at the Winter Olympics will be a dream come true,” Henri IV remarked.
The Jamaican Ski Federation (JSF) provides them with support, which has been especially important to the three.
Helaina said: “It is great knowing that we have a big support system and we can reach out when we need help; being able to have them support us through this journey is amazing.”
The family is confident that once they are together, they can conquer any obstacle.
“If you’re together, you can overcome barriers one step at a time… support and love goes all the way,” Henniyah expressed.
Helaina added, “When we do this, it will be great to just be with one another and start this journey.”
Henri also told FIS, “The ultimate dream is to inspire others and make history.”
He added, “It’s to leave a legacy that goes beyond skiing. I want to be remembered for breaking barriers.”
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