On Monday, Feb. 21, 180 Eagle Scouts were recognized for their accomplishments at the State Capitol. Missouri State Eagle Scout Recognition Day is an annual event to honor these scouts for the time and commitment to attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.  

A brief speech was given by Eagle Scout and Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe followed by lunch served to the scouts and guests. The rank of Eagle Scout means the scout has demonstrated leadership, service to others, personal growth and self discipline. Eagle Scouts are required to lead a service project to benefit a local organization in the community and complete a minimum 21 merit badges. Only four to six percent of all scouts reach the rank of Eagle Scout.

Charles Davidson earned his Eagle Scout rank in Dec 2021 and 48 merit badges. He is a member of Troop 57 in Mexico, and attends Missouri Military Academy. Hawthorne Elementary School in Mexico, was the beneficiary of a bench and two end tables made from reclaimed barn wood.  Under the direction of Charles Davidson the actual work occurred on a hot day in June of 2021, when 30 people gathered to sand and assemble the bench and tables.

Other Scouts from Troop 57 to attain the rank of Eagle this year are Dragen McCarthy who made benches for the Laura Miller George Help Center Food Pantry, and James Branson who planted 500 trees at Mexico’s Green Estates Park. Eagle Scout projects are an example of the return on the investment the community has made in the scouting program.  To locate a scouting program, visit beascout.org.