By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

PHOTO: Scoutmaster Don Brown looks on as Levi Doty becomes his 100th scout to receive the rank of Eagle Scout. (Submitted Photo)

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — At this week’s meeting of the DeKalb County Commission, scoutmaster Don Brown of Troop 96 was honored with a resolution commemorating his 100th boy scout to achieve Eagle Scout. 

A celebration was held on Saturday, August 8 for Levi Doty, who was Brown’s 100th recipient. In attendance for the ceremony were several past Eagle Scouts, along with state Sen. Steve Livingston.

“As an Eagle Scout myself, I am proud to recognize the hard work, dedication, and commitment Boy Scouts like Levi Doty put forth to reach the rank of Eagle Scout.  Less than 3% of Scouts ever attain the rank of Eagle. Only one President, Gerald Ford, has been an Eagle Scout,” said Livingston. “With scouting under attack by the liberal left, it’s extremely important that Scoutmasters like Don Brown continue mentoring our kids. Don leads troop 96 in Tenbroeck. While each Scout reaching Eagle is special, Levi was Troop 96’s 100th Eagle Scout under Don Brown’s Leadership. That’s very impressive anywhere, but most importantly, it happened right here in our back yard! I can’t thank Don and Troop 96 enough for what they are doing for our kids!”

An Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable within the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since it began in the early 20th century, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank, equating to over 2.5 million youths. Those who earn this rank are eligible to join the National Eagle Scout Association. 

Brown first became a scoutmaster on March 20, 1973. His first Eagle Scout was Bruce Wilson, who earned the rank on the sixth anniversary of Brown becoming a scoutmaster.

Many who have achieved the Eagle Scout rank have gone on to achieve great things, including Hank Aaron, former Walmart CEO Sam Walton, and astronaut Neil Armstrong.