The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting, but also as he enters higher education, business or industry and community service.  The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well maintained over the years.  Not every boy in scouting earns the Eagle rank; only about 2.5% of all Boy Scouts do so.  This represents more than one million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1911.  Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting—citizenship training, character development and personal fitness—remain important for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills.  While there are many options available to demonstrate proficiency in these area, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks—Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle.  To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests, which are organized by requirements and merit badges.

Merit badges signify the mastery of certain Scoutcraft skills, as well as serving to increase skill in an area of personal interest.  Of the more than one hundred merit badges available, twenty-one must be earned to qualify for Eagle Scout.  Of this group, twelve badges are required, including First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, citizenship in the  World, Communications, Safety, Environmental Science, Personal Management, Camping and Family Life.  In addition, a Scout has a choice between Emergency Preparedness and Lifesaving and a choice among Personal Fitness, Swimming and Sports.

At each of his rank advancements, a Boy Scout takes part in a Scoutmaster conference.  These conferences help the Scout to set goals for himself in line with his individual talents and abilities.  At each conference, the Scoutmaster helps him evaluated how well he accomplished his present goal and then works with him in setting new goals.

Beginning with the Star rank, and continuing through Life and Eagle, a Scout must demonstrate participation in increasingly more responsible service projects.  At these levels, he also must demonstrate leadership skills by holding one or more specific youth positions of responsibility in his patrol and/or troop.

The trail to Eagle, at times, can be difficult, but through hard work and a personal commitment every Scout has the ability to attain this lofty goal.  It is an award recognized by many and one that may open doors of opportunity that would otherwise be closed to most.  We, as a troop, offer both the resources and the support needed to become an Eagle. 

A sample of famous Eagle Scouts:

Willie Banks, Olympian, Former World Record Holder, Triple Jump and Long Jump

J. Willard Marriott, Jr., Chairman of the Board & President, Marriott Corporation

James A. Lovell, Jr., Apollo Astronaut and Business Executive

H. Ross Perot, Founder, EDS Corporation and The Perot Group

Steven Spielberg, Film Director and Producer

The Honorable Bill Bradley, US Senator, New Jersey

The Honorable Sam Nunn, US Senator, Georgia

The Honorable Gerald R. Ford, 38th President of the United States

William DeVries, MD, Surgeon and Educator - Transplanted first artificial heart

John Koncak, Center, Orlando Magic, NBA

Togo West, Secretary of the Army