Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a rare accomplishment and is achieved by just 4% of Scouts nationwide. For several Bexley students, reaching this summit means much more than collecting badges: it’s the result of years dedicated to leadership, service and personal growth.
Seniors Carson McKitrick and David Haynes and freshman Veronica Tsao are among those at the high school working toward this honor.
Scouts are required to earn 21 merit badges to reach the rank of Eagle Scout, Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 166 Josh Brown explained.
Centered around a core concept or skill, each badge indicates the Scout has met all the requirements set by the merit badge council.
Additionally, Scouts must complete a project to benefit the community.
Haynes said independence and leadership are central to earning the Eagle Scout rank.
“You lead Scouts for a service project that you design, coordinate and organize,” he said.
Haynes said he is in the process of building a roofed bench with picnic tables at Quarry Trails Metro Park.
McKitrick, who completed his project Sept. 27, said he built raised garden beds for Christ Lutheran Church.
Brown explained even after their projects are completed, older members provide guidance within the troop.
“Our senior Scouts are basically in charge,” he said. “I’ll meet with the senior Scouts once a month, and we’ll plan out all the meetings for the next six weeks.”
The Scout leadership runs all meetings and events, teaches younger Scouts skills for advancement and prepares for outings, McKitrick explained.
Haynes said becoming an Eagle Scout tests a Scout’s leadership abilities in other ways as well, since one requirement is serving in a leadership role for six months.
As a Life Scout, Tsao said she is one rank away from Eagle. It is important, she said, to serve in leadership positions early on.
“Being an Eagle is to be a good leader and to be active in the community,” Tsao said.
Although each Scout’s motivation differs, Brown said those who achieve Eagle share key qualities.
“It takes a certain character to finish,” he said. “There’s commitment, leadership and perseverance.”
Tsao said she joined Scouts four years ago for a variety of reasons.
“I originally started Scouting because I wanted to learn how to survive in the wilderness,” she said. “My brother did it, so it was another way to hang out with him.”
McKitrick said he wanted to become an Eagle Scout because of the years he had put into Scouting.
“I started in first grade,” he explained. “I wanted to have something to show for it. I didn’t want to feel like I wasted my time.”
McKitrick added completing the Eagle project has shown him how much his character has progressed.
“It’s a sign I have grown a lot as a person,” he explained. “I have learned so many skills that I can use later on in life.”
Haynes said he would like to work for a Scout camp in the future, and becoming an Eagle Scout will help him do that. He added the program has taught him how to lead.
The last step in becoming an Eagle Scout is completing an interview-like process where Scouts discuss their project, values and leadership experience, McKitrick explained. After the review is finished, he added, they finally become an Eagle Scout.
Brown said earning the achievement has a lasting impact on Scouts.
“Once you earn an Eagle Scout rank, you are an Eagle for life,” Brown said.
Published and released November 2025.
