By Marilyn Forbes

Published: Saturday, November 17, 2012, 12:06 a.m.
Updated: Saturday, November 17, 2012

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Eagle Scout, and scouts who achieved this prestigious ranking from the Mt. Pleasant area will be gathering for a special night of recognition.

Starting with a social hour at 5 p.m., Eagle Scouts and their families will gather at the Mt. Pleasant Church of God fellowship hall on Nov. 24.

The event was orchestrated by Mark Kelley of Mt. Pleasant, a former Eagle Scout.

“The numbers of Scouts in the area are getting so low,” Kelley said. “I'd really like to see kids get excited again about Scouting.”

Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million young men. The title of Eagle Scout is held for life, and the requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout spirit.

Kelley said there will be Eagle Scouts coming from all over the county to celebrate the evening. All will receive a special 100th anniversary commemorative patch.

“I heard from one gentleman who got his Eagle in 1950,” Kelley said. “The youngest one coming is 14, so we have a nice age span.”

The event will include a dinner and special program with featured speakers.

“We have about 60 who have responded,” Kelley said, adding that for the past several months he spent time researching records of local Scout groups. “I tried to find as many names and addresses that I could. I sent out about 120 mailing, so we heard back from half.”

Marilyn Forbes is a freelance writer.

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