Henderson Scout earns Eagle ranking

HENDERSON, Ky. - Ryan Eckels, 18, of Henderson, has earned the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts of America offers to Scouts, the Eagle Scout award.

According to a news release, Eckels was recognized in ceremonies on Sunday, July 14, at the The Gathering Place senior center in Henderson.

A member of Troop 301, sponsored by Henderson First United Methodist Church, Eckels is one of a very small number of all Boy Scouts who attain the Eagle Scout rank, according to Scoutmaster Tom Wilson.

Each candidate must earn 21 merit badges and successfully complete a service project related to any religious institution, school or community to earn his Eagle. Eckels chose to organize a food drive, build tables and remodel the building for Henderson's Christian Community Outreach food bank.

"He has served as Senior Patrol Leader in the Troop and is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow," according to the news release.

Eckels joins other outstanding American citizens who have become an Eagle Scout, among them former President Gerald R Ford Jr, astronaut Neil Armstrong, former mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, and the former head of the FBI, William sessions.

Eckels graduated from Henderson County High School May 2019. He is the son of Wynn and Daisy Eckels of Henderson.