The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting

but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. The award is a

performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. Not every

boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 4 percent of all Boy Scouts do so.

This represents more than 1 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1911. Nevertheless, the

goals of Scouting—citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness—remain important

for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank.