DALLAS, Texas -- Twelve Scouts of the 60-member Boy Scout troop of St. Luke Community UMC achieved the rank of Eagle.
"As far as we can determine there's only been one other time in the history of the Boy Scouts where there were more African-Americans at one time, from one troop becoming Eagle Scouts," said Pat Currie, Scout executive for North Texas' Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts. Only about 4 percent of Boy Scouts earn the rank.
Troop 914 began at St. Luke in 1996 with six boys, two tents and one piece of outdoor cooking equipment. Since then, counting this recent group, nearly 40 from the troop have made Eagle Scout. Two have gone on to military service academies.
"This is an extraordinary accomplishment for any troop- twelve Eagle Scouts," said Larry Coppock, national director of UM Scouting. "For all twelve to be from one ethnic group is noteworthy and very rare indeed. What a testament to the troop's sponsor, St.Luke Community United Methodist Church, as well as the parents and leaders who provided inspiration and support."
Coppock noted that the achievement underscores the efforts of the Office of Scouting Ministry,General Commission on UM Men, to promote scouting as an intentional outreach ministry to local churches.
Scouts receiving the rank of Eagle
William Edwards
Lapone Finley
Darrell Forest
Dillon Kennedy
Hunter Kennedy
Matthew Lloyd
Malcolm Luster
Walter Munnings
Jordan McRae
Donald Erick Thomas, II
Davion West
Martin Grey-Blake (Not pictured - away at college)