Boy Scout Troop 71 Celebrates 14 New Eagle Scouts

In a given year, Libertyville Boy Scout Troop 71 sees from three to five of its members become Eagle Scouts.

For 2012, however, which marked the 100th anniversary of the creation of the rank, a record 14 boys achieved Eagle Scout status.

"We're just extremely proud," said John Broughton, committee chair for Troop 71.

Scouting was founded in England in 1908 and migrated to the United States in 1910. The highest rank at the time was Silver Wolf, but the decision was made to name the highest rank after an American symbol, and thus the Eagle Scout rank was born, said David Nield, Life to Eagle Coordinator. Nield said by 1982, there were 1 million Eagle Scouts, and there are now over 2.1 million.

Troop 71 has seen 137 of its scouts achieve Eagle status since the troop was chartered at First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville 85 years ago, said Broughton. Before 2012, the record for Troop 71 was nine boys earning Eagle Scout status in 1973.

"This is truly an accomplishment we have here," said Broughton.

The new Eagle Scouts were honored at a special reception Jan. 6 at First Presbyterian.

"Every scout who attains the rank of Eagle is a joyous occasion, an occasion for celebration," said Charles Hutchins, scoutmaster.

Congratulations to all of these new Eagle Scouts!