Class of 2018 Soars as Eagle Scouts
What does it take to become an Eagle Scout? The short answer is time and hard work. However, the process for becoming an Eagle Scout first starts with becoming a Boy Scout, available to 11 year olds or graduates of the fifth grade. Then, the scout must progress through all the ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and then finally Eagle Scout.
The first few ranks up to First Class teach outdoor skills, leadership, first aid, and physical fitness, as well as encouraging participation in troop activities other than meetings. For Star and Life ranks, a scout must either obtain or earn several merit badges, most of which are required to be an Eagle Scout. They must also actively serve in leadership positions in the troop and have six or more hours of service for both Star and Life rank. Lastly, the rank of Eagle requires 21 total merit badges, a troop leadership position, and the Eagle scout service project. Once these requirements are met, it is almost guaranteed they have earned Eagle scout. The very last requirement is the Eagle Board of Review which is when the scout, the adults of the troop, and a council representative come together to ask questions about the scout’s experiences and what their plans are for the future with scouting and how they believe it has helped them.
When someone is an Eagle scout, it means they are dependable and dedicated to what they do; you can count on them. An Eagle scout is NOT better than any other scout, they just have more experience and knowledge to help teach younger scouts. It is definitely a challenge rising through the ranks and becoming one of the few percentage of scouts to achieve this. The honor behind the title of Eagle scout carries an obligation; to help others at all times. Whether it be by teaching, assisting, or saving other people. The knowledge obtained through the years is applicable in countless situations beyond scouting. For the scout’s future, it gives them a bit of an advantage when applying for things such as scholarships and jobs. There isn’t a single person who deserves the rank of Eagle, they all have earned the rank of Eagle.
Congratulations to these 15 outstanding Brother Martin students who have reached the honor of Eagle Scout ranking!
Article Information written by Eagle Scout and Senior Ryan Johnson, Troop 491.
Each Crusader wrote a short reflection about their experience as an Eagle Scout:
Aaron Ashburn '18, Troop 4
“It was an eye opening experience. It made me realize how important it is to be involved in the community.”
Jeremy Baier '18, Troop 55
“My favorite part about being a Boy Scout is the adventure: camping trips, backpacking weekends, canoe trips, day hikes, white water rafting, and horseback riding. I also just enjoy surrounding myself in nature and being able to appreciate the Beauty in it.”
Stephen Gonzales '18, Troop 230
“Scouting has taught me many skills, such as first aid, cooking, camping, and how to build a fire. I have had many wonderful experiences on my path to becoming an Eagle Scout (and some not so wonderful, too) but mostly it has helped me build my leadership skills, confidence, enabled me to make new friends, be prepared for anything, and to be proud of my accomplishments.”
Noah Goodlett '18, Troop 60
“For my Eagle Scout project, I had chosen to help assist at PAWS animal shelter in Belle Chasse. For the project, I had redone an entire dog yard that was unable to be used due to hurricane destruction. Ever since completely rebuilding the yard, PAWS was able to have an additional yard for allowing potential customers to walk and play with the adoptees.”
Austin Hanner '18, Troop 231
“My Eagle Scout experience has been amazing and very meaningful. I have learned many life skills and lots of leadership skills. Being an Eagle Scout has shaped and molded my life into the proper young Gentlemen that is expected at Brother Martin.”
Patrick Hennessey '18, Troop 45
“I collected eye glasses, sun glasses, cases, and lenses for third world countries. I spoke in front of my parish to see if they had what I needed and if they could bring them in to the church. I gave everything I collected to the Lions Club of Metairie.”
Ryan Johnson '18, Troop 491
“During my time with the Boy Scouts I have learned many valuable and important life and outdoor skills. I’ve made countless friendships and memories with other scouts from all over. It takes two things to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, time and hard work.”
Daniel Morris '18, Troop 64
“Scouts has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I have made many great friends through scouts. It has also helped shape me into the person that I am today.”
Mark Mulla '18, Troop 45
“For me, Eagle Scout was a sign of my own personal development. Creating & overseeing the project showed me that I could achieve anything if I dedicated myself to it. I’ve always had problems with self-esteem and rising through the ranks of Boy Scouts by my own will and achieving Eagle, a goal I set for myself, gave me this special knowledge.”
Stuart Redfearn '18, Troop 491
“My Eagle Scout project was the most time-consuming challenge I have ever had. The project also showed me the amount of time and effort required to plan bigger projects as well as how to lead effectively.”
Grant Restel '18, Troop 227
“My experience in the Boy Scouts of America was a very rewarding one. I learned many life lessons, survival skills, and gained many new friends along the way. It is a journey that I would not trade for anything else in the world.”
Matthew Tate '18, Troop 107
“For my Eagle Scout Project, I repainted the parking lot at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. While the project was difficult, the steps it took to make it here were much more demanding. While the work and commitment were difficult to bear, I found it fun and I was able to learn much more than I would ever have expected.”
*Not pictured: Aaron Ashburn ’18, Troop 4 and Stephen Gonzales ’18, Troop 230
*Pictured without reflection: Jonathan Dunn ’18, Troop 179, Dillon Rousset ’18, Troop 269 and Stephen Rayle ’18, Troop 172.
What does it take to become an Eagle Scout? The short answer is time and hard work. However, the process for becoming an Eagle Scout first starts with becoming a Boy Scout, available to 11 year olds or graduates of the fifth grade. Then, the scout must progress through all the ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and then finally Eagle Scout.
Congratulations to these 15 outstanding Brother Martin students who have reached the honor of Eagle Scout ranking!