(February 20, 2013) Earning 36 merit badges each from the Boy Scouts of America, two Garland High School students have not only achieved the organization’s highest rank for boys aged 11-17—they’ve exceeded it. Casey Cooley and Hunter Merriman now hold the rank of Eagle Scout Silver Palm.
Cooley, a senior, and Merriman, a freshman, both began their scouting journey in fifth grade.
“My dad was a Scoutmaster,” explained Cooley. “I also enjoyed being outdoors, and Boy Scouts offered a variety of activities.”
“When I joined, my brother was close to earning his Eagle Scout rank, so I aspired to follow in his footsteps,” said Merriman.
Starting out as Tenderfoots, the GHS duo progressed through the ranks of Second Class, First Class, Star and Life before becoming Eagle Scouts. It’s believed that less than four percent of all boys who begin this journey earn the Boy Scout’s highest rank before aging out at 18. In addition to receiving 21 merit badges, Eagle Scouts must also serve six months in a troop leadership position, organize a service project, participate in a Scoutmaster conference, and complete a board of review.
“This experience taught me the value of hard work and helped me have a better attitude towards it,” commented Merriman.
“For me, being an Eagle Scout, means that you’re a trained leader,” added Cooley.
And both boys continue to lead their troops. Cooley is an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 1020 in Rowlett while Merriman serves as an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 57 in Garland. The Eagle Scouts have also individually earned 15 additional merit badges and three Palm awards. The Bronze Palm represents five merit badges and three months of additional service. The Gold Palm equals 10 badges and six months of service, and the Silver Palm is awarded after 15 badges and nine months.
Mastering first aid, emergency preparedness, communications, citizenship and camping skills among others, the boys model the Boy Scouts motto of “Always be prepared.”
“My career goal is to be an officer in the Army,” explained Cooley. “These skills are what they require. They look highly upon leadership, survival, first aid and people skills.”
“The merit badges that I’ve earned—Personal management, personal fitness and family life— will help with whatever I encounter or want to do in life,” said Merriman. “I want to be a drummer and I’ve also gotten the music badge, so I hope that opens up new horizons.”
Submitted by Tiffany Graber, Garland ISD Communications Specialist.
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