Kerby McCracken, senior, has a lot of hobbies. He is a skateboarder, earns money as a photographer, works at Einstein’s and is about to achieve the highest rank in boy scouting. He is working to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout. 

An Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouting. To obtain the Eagle Scout rank you must first be a Scout, a Tenderfoot, a 2nd class, a 1st class, a Starlife, and then finally an Eagle Scout. 

According to the Eagle Scout Fact Sheet produced by the Boy Scout Association, “ Scouts must demonstrate proficiency in leadership, service, and outdoor skills at multiple levels before achieving the Eagle Scout rank. 

The BSA also says that  fewer than 4 percent of Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout.. “Over the past century, the hard-earned rank has become widely recognized—both in and outside of Scouting—as a mark of distinction,” the BSA reports.

In order for McCracken to achieve the Eagle Scout rank, he had to complete a final project before he turned 18. He decided to build a small public library outside the McLean 6th Grade Center; after obtaining permission from the campus principal. 

“As the parent of an Eagle Scout I know how important this milestone is. It was an honor to support the work and effort in our Paschal pyramid,” Dr. Karen Brown, Principal of McLean 6th Grade Center said.

According to McCracken, he built the small library in about a week using only simple supplies like wood and nails. He says that it was a fun and spontaneous project. “I liked the idea behind it and I wanted to give books to kids who wanted to read.”

Why did McCracken join scouting?, “The reputation, new friendships, and the adventures.”