Kendall Completes Eagle Scout Project

SIDNEY--Grady Kendall of Sidney, has completed all of his requirements to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, and is now just waiting on the paperwork and the approval from Boy Scout officials to receive his Eagle Scout award.

Since its inception in 1911, only 4% of Scouts earn this rank. The path to attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is not for the faint of heart as requirements include earning a minimum of 21 merit badges, 14 of which are mandatory for the award. In addition, an Eagle Scout must demonstrate Scout Spirit which is an ideal attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. The award also requires an extensive service project which must benefit a school, community, or religious group other than the BSA. It must reflect a Scout's ability to plan, budget both time and money, direct, delegate, and provide leadership to others. For his service project, Kendall created two Flag Drop-Boxes, one which will be placed at the county courthouse, and the other to be placed at the Sidney City Office, for people to properly dispose of damaged or worn American flags.

Kendall was at the Elks Lodge on Veteran's Day for the annual Bean Feed, a prime opportunity to showcase his Eagle Scout project which resulted in many positive reactions from veterans.

Kendall said, "I've been in scouting since the second grade. My uncle was and still is a scoutmaster, and I've really enjoyed being part of scouting. The hardest thing about getting the Eagle Scout rank is all the paperwork and tests you have to take, but I got it all done."

Kendall will be awarded his Eagle Scout ranking at a later ceremony. The Flag Drop Boxes will be placed at the courthouse and the city offices in the near future.

As an Eagle Scout, Kendall will be presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes his accomplishments as Scout. Additional recognition can also be earned through Eagle Palms which are awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership, and merit badge requirements.

Those who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout become eligible, although are not required, to join the prestigious National Eagle Scout Association.