The Occoneechee Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has announced that a total of 414 young men earned their Eagle Scout Award in 2009. That is a nine percent increase over 2008’s total of 380. Earning the rank of Eagle is Scouting’s highest achievement.
“The Occoneechee Council has some of the best new leaders, ready and eager to serve their fellow man, in the very near future,” said John Akerman, Scout Executive for the Occoneechee Council. “Every one of these young men should be proud of their achievement.”
This year Scouting is celebrating its 100th Anniversary and more young men than ever are earning the rank of Eagle Scout and becoming responsible citizens in their communities.
The National Council average for young men earning the Eagle Scout Awards is five percent. The Occoneechee Council’s average is 6.4%.
“We have many results-oriented youth who are very well qualified to lead in their fields of endeavor,” said Edward Miller, Council Advancement Chairman. “That is one of the purposes of Scouting, to train future leaders.”
To achieve the rank of Eagle a Scout must earn a total of 21 merit badges, including 12 that are required. He also must design a Leadership Service Project and lead his fellow Scouts in carrying out that project.
