Eagle Scouts, and community service, leader- ship and accomplishment, were honored at the May 22 Eagle Scout Reception, hosted by the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, according to a news release.
The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest in Scouting and requires earning at least 21 badges, completing an Eagle Scout community service project and holding leadership positions in the
Scouting unit. Girls and boys both are eligible to attain the rank.
The council had 206 Scouts earn the rank between May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022, said council board member Nick Digirolamo, who served as master of ceremonies for the event, recognizing those Eagle Scouts. Many of the 206 being honored live in the Lutz and Land O’ Lakes area.
The Eagle Scouts, dressed in their uniforms, paraded into the banquet hall at the USF (University of South Florida) Embassy Suites, receiving a standing ovation from family members, Scout leaders and friends.
According to the news release, Digirolamo told the Eagles, “You are the best and brightest Scouting has to offer.”
He said the 206 Eagles had 24,328 of combined hours in volunteer labor for their Eagle Scout projects.
He added that using the U.S. Department of Labor figures for employment, that was about $628,000 worth of service to the community.
The event also included the announcement of the council’s Eagle Scout Project of the Year.
Jacob Young, 17, of Lithia, received the award for his bat house that can shelter up to 3,000 bats. The Troop 61 member and Newsome High student built it for the nonprofit Future of Hunting in Florida using $3,500 he raised for the project.
His project will be entered into the competition for the National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year, sponsored by the National Eagle Scout Association.
Published June 8, 2022.
