Troop 697 honors ‘extraordinary’ 11 Eagles

Over the last six months, Boy Scout Troop 697 based in Tempe has produced an extraordinary 11 Eagle Scouts.

All of the boys have been with the troop for at least five years, each one working his way to the Eagle rank, the highest recognition of rank in scouting.

For advancement the scout must fulfill the requirement of each successive rank by logging community service hours, participating in a set number of outings, earn the required merit badges and hold a position of responsibility within the troop.

In order to meet the requirements for the Eagle rank, each had to coordinate his own Eagle Scout Service Project, wherein they coordinate the help of fellow scouts, parents and peers to complete a volunteer project to benefit the immediate community.

All necessary materials, money and equipment are garnered through donation or fundraiser; no Eagle candidate may simply pay for everything by himself.

Having completed this step, the candidate must then pass an Eagle Board of Review, an interview session with officials from the local district of the Boy Scouts of America. The candidate is grilled over the practical skills and the reasoning ability he has learned through his participation in the program.

Upon completion of the review process, the candidate is awarded the Eagle Scout rank. Those who have completed their journey within the last six months in Troop 697 are (in order of completion date):

Ben Suber, Greg Howell, Jon Valentine, Neal Wright, Carlos Romero, Brian McGinn, Forrest Smith, Matt Glass and Austin Gaylord.

The future for these Scouts looks bright as they remain involved with their troop and apply the benefits of earning the Eagle awards to their everyday lives.

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