The performance-based achievements are challenging and only a small percentage of candidates are able to achieve the rank with the high standards involved. Once qualified, it’s a designation that remains throughout life.

We’re talking about Eagle Scouts, the highest rank of the Scouts BSA program in the Boys Scouts of America organization.

Back on Jan. 29, Jace Barrett, Christopher Ludington and Zachary Novak participated in Boy Scout Troop 161’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor, which was held at Peace Lutheran Church. A fourth scout, Judah Wenger, also earned the Eagle Scout rank but was not able to attend.

The Eagle Scout rank carries special significance and those earning it are often seen as individuals with specialized skills who display positive character traits and are capable leaders.

“This is a great program and it teaches you a lot of different things that you may or may not need,” Novak said during a recent phone interview. “But hey, if you know them, you can use them if you do and honestly, I would encourage other people to get involved and do it.”

The path toward the Eagle Scout rank typically takes six or seven years from the time they enter BSA in the sixth grade. Before age 18, candidates must earn 21 merit badges, including 13 in specific categories, and complete a lengthy review process. One of the qualifications involves the planning and development of a service project that’s helpful to a religious institution, school or community.

“I crossed over (into Boy Scouts) with 16 other guys and two of us made it, I think,” Ludington said. “It’s definitely a miracle that I made it.”

Scoutmaster Tom Klipfel, who has been involved with Troop 161 in Philomath since 2007, led the scouts through a reaffirmation of principles and the Eagle pledge before the award presentation with the assistance of David Novak, the troop’s committee chair. Novak had earlier performed the duty of officially convening the Eagle Court of Honor. Both Klipfel and Novak are themselves Eagle Scouts.

Tanner Dowless, assistant senior patrol leader, opened the program with the flag ceremony. Thomas Smith, senior patrol leader and chaplain’s aide, performed the invocation and later on, the benediction. Carl Dowless, committee assistant scoutmaster, talked about the…