Only 4% of Boy Scouts attain the highest rank of Eagle Scout.
Four young men from Plant City are now part of that exclusive club.
Troop 14’s Daniel “D.J.” Garrett, Caleb Elliot Watson, Anthony Pullara and Benjamin Lee Carson all received their Eagle Badges during a ceremony April 20, at Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
To earn an Eagle Badge, a scout must earn 21 merit badges; achieve the rank of a Life Scout; serve actively for a period of six months in a leadership position within the troop, varsity scout team or venturing crew/ship; complete a service project; and more.
The ceremony began with slideshows of the Scouts throughout their career. The Scouts, with their parents by their side, accepted their Eagle Badges in the middle of the ceremony. Each Scout gave a short speech following the slideshow.
Benjamin Lee Carson
Carson joined the Cub Scouts as a Tiger. After earning his Arrow of Light, he crossed over to Troop 14, earning 24 merit badges. A member of the Order of the Arrow, he has served as chaplain and patrol leader.
Carson’s favorite aspect about Scouts is camping.
For his service project, Carson planned and implemented a 7,000-square-foot irrigation system at Steppin’ Stone Farm, a home for troubled girls.
“It was definitely a great accomplishment,” Carson said about earning his Eagle Badge. “Achieving the highest rank in anything you do is an accomplishment.”
Ben is home-schooled and dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College, John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth and Florida Virtual School. He maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA.
He is also a pitcher for Faith Baptist Christian School and the Florida Burn Baseball Club.
Daniel “D.J.” Garrett
Garrett joined the Cub Scouts as a Bear Cub. He earned the Arrow of Light before transferring to Troop 14. With 49 merit badges, Garrett is a member of the Order of the Arrow and has served as troop quartermaster, patrol leader, assistant patrol leader and troop instructor.
His favorite aspect about the Boy Scouts is camping.
To get his Eagle Badge, Garrett completed maintenance on the Elks Lodge.
“I’m excited and proud of myself,” Garrett said.
The Plant City High senior is the only one in his family who has been a Boy Scout. He enjoys working on his truck and taking auto mechanic classes. He also played junior varsity football.
Anthony Pullara
Pullara joined Cub Scouts in the first grade as a Tiger Cub. After earning his Arrow of Light award, he joined Troop 14, earning 39 merit badges. Pullara is a member of the Order of the Arrow. He is also a founding member of Venturing Crew 14, earning the Bronze Outdoor award.
Pullara’s favorite aspect about scouting is camping.
For his service project, Pullara trimmed the hedges around Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Because his parents are both in law enforcement, Pullara noticed the high hedges were a safety issue to patrolling police.
“Now, I have a cool pin,” Pullara said.
The Plant City High School senior is a member of the wrestling and cross country teams. He is involved in the YMCA’s Youth in Government Program and won an Outstanding Participation Award for his presentation to the Florida Supreme Court.
Caleb Elliot Watson
For the past nine years, Watson has been an active member of Boy Scouts. He is a member of the Order of the Arrow.
His favorite aspect about scouting is the fellowship.
“It’s like a brotherhood,” Watson said.
Both his brothers are also in Boy Scouts. His older brother was able to attain the Eagle Badge distinction, as well.
For his service project, Watson completed maintenance at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church prayer garden. He trimmed the hedges and even built an 8-foot wooden cross.
“It was really cool,” Watson said about earning the badge. “It’s basically being part of something greater than yourself.”
Watson has played the piano for more than 14 years. He also played three years of varsity football. In addition to serving the Boy Scouts, he has served as a messenger in the Florida House of Representatives, in Tallahassee.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.