Did You Know? All about Eagle Scouts!
June 29, 2020
Did you know 61,353 Scouts earned the Eagle Scout Award in 2019, beating the 2012 record? 175 of these were right here in the Mid-South!
The Boy Scouts of America's highest rank is Eagle Scout. This prestigious award is widely recognized throughout the country even by those who aren't familiar with the requirements. Many colleges, the US military, and employers seek the traits that Eagle Scouts possess. The fact that the rank is based on accomplishing a set of national standards rather than some arbitrary qualifications makes being an Eagle Scout special. The 2019 Eagle Scout class performed community service projects valued at more than $218 million in achieving their rank.
The Chickasaw Council recently honored the Class of 2019 with a virtual Eagle Scout recognition event. Hosted by Phil Blum, who is an Eagle Scout, a Silver Beaver recipient and board of directors faithful council volunteer, we recognized Mr. William P. Litton, who is this year’s Eagle class honoree and presented the prestigious National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award to Mr. Thane Smith, a long-time and distinguished Chickasaw Council leader, Scoutmaster, Eagle Scout and Scouting ambassador.
While only 6% of recent Scouts ultimately achieve the Eagle rank, it is a fact that all youth who participate in the Scouting program, even for a short time, benefit from the lessons of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, leadership training, and the many skills Scouting teaches in a safe and fun environment.
Scouting continues to generate the community-minded leaders our country needs. Just think what the program can do for your son or daughter.