Becoming an Eagle Scout is the goal of young Boy Scouts. It takes years worth of hard work and dedication to earn the merit badges needed for the honor. Brooks Martin and Ethan Foster, seniors at Canton High School, have earned the honor of becoming Eagle Scouts.

This past summer, Martin and Foster both went to Enid to submit their Eagle Scout project ideas and get permission from the board to do their projects. The board consists of scoutmasters and a veteran Eagle Scout. They had to explain how their projects benefit the community as well as the process and the cost.  This interview usually lasts up to about an hour. 

After the interview, they became Eagle Scout candidates, and they could finally start on their Eagle Scout Projects.

During an Eagle Scout project, the Eagle Scout candidate is not expected to work the entire project, instead, they are expected to use their leadership skills and lead a team of workers. Eagle Scout candidates are still required to work, however. 

Martin’s Eagle Scout project was to make cribbing for the local fire department. He began his project by going out and receiving the wood planks he would use to make cribbing. Next, he needed people to do the project. He asked fellow Scouts for help on his project. He recruited Ethan Foster, Luke Foster, Eric Estala, his own dad, and Don Foster. He separated his team into two divisions, one division would cut and assemble the cribbing, while the second division would paint the cribbing. He started his project on March 22 and completed it on November 8.

“It was good to be able to help the fire department because it’s hard to get funding and essentials in a small town,” Martin said.

For Foster’s Eagle Scout project, he was asked by the Community of Christ to make a facia, a type of an overhang, outside of the church. His project would need welding tools and several power tools. His team consisted of his grandpa, Brooks Martin, all his brothers, Eric Estala, and Victor Torres. 

He began by laying the concrete foundation for the metal poles he needed to suspend the overhang. It took him many weeks to finish his project but he was able to get it done. He started on May 29  and finished on November 16.

“It was a very painful experience,” Foster said.

On December 8 both Martin and Foster returned to Enid to complete their Eagle Scout Board reviews. 

After the review, each received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. Only 8% of Scouts earn this honor.