We all get to call ourselves East Meck Eagles, but only a few students hold the title of Eagle Scout.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank that a Boy Scout can achieve, and many Boy Scouts dream for the day they can achieve the honor.

“The advantages of pursuing and being an Eagle Scout is incredible,” freshmen Boy Scout Tyler Benton said. “It is the utmost honor.”

Becoming an Eagle Scout is a long and difficult process. Boy Scouts must obtain 21 merit badges and complete a leadership project. Because of this, only about five percent of Boy Scouts move forward to the Eagle Scout rank.

Even though the process takes time, Scouts still have their motives to complete the program.

“I wanted to become an Eagle Scout because it has become a family tradition and expectation,” senior Eagle Scout John Harris said.

Harris became an Eagle Scout Feb. 13, and believes that Eagle Scouts represent the best of the best of their troops.

Having the Eagle rank can also help with the future, as studies conducted by the National Eagle Scout Association have proven. The Eagle rank helps Scouts get jobs and college opportunities.

“Being an Eagle Scout definitely helps with college applications,” senior Eagle Scout Carter Claiborne said. “It shows that you do community and service, and that you don’t quit.”

In addition to being an important benefit in the ever-competitive college application process, other scouts simply take pride in what the Eagle Scout designation reveals about their character.

“The Eagle rank is the final rank [of Boy Scouts] and signifies ultimate completion of the program,” Harris said. “I am someone who likes to finish things.”