Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle
by Chris Snow
Senior brothers are awarded for their community scout projects and leadership roles.
Seniors Connor and Nathan Bradley have been a part of the Boys Scouts of America since they were very young. Over the years, both the Bradley brothers have earned numerous badges and medals recognizing their accomplishments in the program, but no other badge holds as much importance becoming a fully fledged Eagle Scout.
The coveted Eagle Scout badge is the highest rank that a Boy Scout can earn, requiring scouts to complete a service project that the he creates and manages on his own, as well as earning the 21 required merit badges.
“Over 100 million Americans have joined the Boy Scouts, but only 5% become Eagle Scouts,” said Connor, “and being part of that 5% feels good.”
“It is truly a great honor. It’s not like playing Call of Duty and easily earning an achievement,” mentioned Nathan. “You actually have to go out, work for it, and work hard.”
The Bradleys both undertook their own individual projects in the pursuit of becoming Eagle Scouts. The service projects had to be thought up on their own, and had to in some way benefit the community. Connor’s project involved planting 20 trees near West Elementary in Blue Jacket Park.
“Then I had to do the hard part, which was paperwork. It took me a little over 5 hours to complete. After that, I sent it to the council to be approved, and then I had to go to a board of review so that they could decide if I should be an Eagle,” said Connor.
Nathan’s Eagle Scout project involved repairing the old 1918 flag pole that had been located at Laws field. After the recent changes at Laws, the old flag pole that has stood there since 1918 also had to be removed.
Nathan repaired the damaged pole, and replaced many of the old and broken parts in order to completely refinish it. After seeking the approval of the Mayor and City Coordinator, and fully repaired, the flag was relocated to the Eudora Rec Center.
“Boy Scouting wasn’t just about tying knots and camping. It’s much more than that,” said Nathan. “It prepares you for life. It is truly a great honor to have worked my way up to earn such a prestigious award, and it will be there for the rest of my life.”
“Earning this achievement is one of the best feelings I’ve ever had,” said Connor. “I will always stay true to the phrase, ‘Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.’”
While the brothers have achieved the highest status as a scout, they plan to take part in future activities within the scout troop. They will continue to help out as older scout members on camping trips and other activities, fulfilling their roles as leaders even after fulfilling their position as eagle scouts.
