Reaching the rank of Eagle Scout is an achievement in itself, but Troop 172 honored six scouts who reached the rank during a Jan. 10 ceremony.

Nathan Judkins, Jon Conklin, Jonathon Ingroum and Michael McConkey of Bonney Lake High School and Brian Judkins and Will Bulzomi of Sumner High School had their Eagle Scout court of honor at the Sumner Methodist Church.

The court of honor dates back to 1912 when the first Eagle Scout, Arthur Rose Eldred, earned the last of 21 required merit badges and faced a board of review to make the honor official.

In the audience were friends and family of the honorees and the Eagle Scouts were each given the opportunity to single out and thank someone who was a source of support for them.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America and once someone becomes an Eagle Scout it is a rank they maintain the rest of their life. In addition to earning the required merit badges, Eagle Scouts must complete a community leadership project.

Mike Judkins is scoutmaster of Troop 172 and said attaining Eagle Scout status is all the more impressive today because of the level of distractions. There are many activities available to youth and he said being a scout long enough to complete the requirements amidst the other activities is difficult.

Judkins said most boys are about 11 years old when they start scouting and it often takes until just before their 18th birthdays to earn the status.

This court of honor was unique because of the number of Eagle Scouts being recognized. Judkins said the group met requirements around the same time, so it made sense to go through the process together. The Scouts also assisted with the projects of one another.

“They’ve all kind of helped each other out. There’s a little bit of a sense of camaraderie,” Judkins said.

He said being an Eagle Scout is something the young men will put on college applications and resumes and can contribute to a bright future.

Previous Eagle Scouts include late President Gerald Ford and astronaut Neil Armstrong.

“Being involved in the troop for a long time you’re really proud to be a little piece in helping to shape and mold these boys,” he said.

Reach Chaz Holmes at cholmes@courierherald.com or 360-802-8208.