Boy Scout Troop 132 celebrates rare rank advancement

Boy Scout Troop 132 of Arlington Heights recently held its Court of Honor ceremony. In addition to 56 merit badges being earned by the boys in the last three months, there were 14 rank advancements, including Eagle Scout, and an Eagle Palm Award.

Troop member Ryan Pearson, a senior at Prospect High School, has earned 54 merit badges, was awarded Tenderfoot Rank in 2010, and, as a sophomore, Eagle Scout Rank in 2013. Since earning the prestigious Eagle Scout Rank, Ryan has earned an additional six Eagle Palm Awards.

Only 6.5 percent of eligible Scouts earn Eagle Scout, and of those 6.5 percent, fewer than one percent, earn Palm Awards.

First awarded in 1927, a Scout must be an eligible Scout (younger than 18), be active in his troop, and earn an additional five merit badges beyond the 21 of 136 required for the rank of Eagle.

Ryan is a role model for all young men. His enthusiasm for continuing his growth as a leader and upstanding member of our community is commendable.

Troop 132 is sponsored by First United Methodist Church in Arlington Heights. Scouting is open to all young men in grades fifth through age 18 to challenge themselves in a "fun-based" environment. The troop meets at 7:30 p.m. most Wednesdays and the Scouts create their own program with leader support.

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