Boy Scouts: Fourth Largest Eagle Scout Class in History

The Boy Scouts of America recently released a list of the young men who earned their Eagle rank in each of the 50 states. Georgia ranked No. 12 on the list, with 1,560 new Eagle Scouts.

In total, 54,366 young men became Eagle Scouts in 2015, which amounts to 6.57 percent of eligible Scouts (defined as registered Boy Scouts or male Venturers under age 18). This is the fourth-largest class of new Eagle Scouts in Boy Scouts' history.

In 2015, Utah (5,765), California (4,887) and Texas (4,125) led the way with the most Eagle Scouts earned. However, Eagle Scout awards aren't confined to the continental U.S. states. In 2015, the BSA also awarded Eagle distinctions to youth members in Puerto Rico (166), the Virgin Islands (3), transatlantic troops (143) andWashington, D.C. (15), among other regions. A full list of Eagle Scout rankings follows.

To earn the rank of Eagle, a Scout must demonstrate his understanding of leadership, service, character, personal fitness and outdoor skills at multiple levels. In addition to the 21 life skills merit badges required to earn the Eagle Scout rank, each Scout must complete an extensive self-directed service project. The Scout must plan, organize, lead and manage the entire service effort prior to his 18th birthday. The average number of hours spent on Eagle Scout projects is 130.

Some of the more notable Eagle Scouts are President Gerald Ford; Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton; explorerSteve Fossett; Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation co-chair Bill Gates Sr.; MLB All-Star Shane Victorino; and actorJon Heder, who starred in the independent film Napoleon Dynamite.

The Eagle Scout badge has become widely recognized as a mark of distinction both within and outside of Scouting. Once earned, it is worn for life. A 2012 study conducted by Baylor University entitled Merit Beyond the Badge found that Eagle Scouts are more likely than men who have never been in Scouting to:

• Have higher levels of planning and preparation skills, be goal-oriented and network with others
• Be in a leadership position at their place of employment or local community
• Report having closer relationships with family and friends
• Volunteer for religious and nonreligious organizations
• Donate money to charitable groups
• Work with others to improve their neighborhoods

Image: Boy Scouts of America