According to blog.scoutingmagazine.org, there were 52,160 Eagle Scout rankings earned in 2018 nationwide, which equate to 6.49% of the Scouts eligible for the award. North Carolina ranked #5 for the overall highest number of Eagle Scouts across the nation, a two-level jump from 2017. Andrés Rafael Pérez-Hernández, of Scout BSA Troop 731, joined this group recently in the Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony held last June at Clemmons United Methodist Church.
Andrés, a graduate of West Forsyth High School, was a member of the wrestling team and contributed to winning the State Dual Championship in 2017, and the runner-up title in 2018. Encouraged by Coach Jason Hooker, Andrés won the Individual Regional Tournament 2018-19 and finished 4th in state rankings in 145 lb. weight. He also earned an All-Conference Wrestling Award. At West, Andrés was a member of the Spanish National Honor Society, and was enrolled in the Finance Academy and Career & College Promise program, taking dual high school and college credits at Forsyth Technical Community College. This fall, Andrés will attend Appalachian State University, pursuing a Business degree in Marketing.
Andrés started as a Cub Scout in Pack 736, earning the Arrow of Light, the Cub Scouts’ highest award. He transitioned to Troop 731, under the leadership of Scoutmaster Tony Kobet. Andrés earned 43 Merit Badges, the most earned by an Eagle Scout to date for Troop 731, and 30 more badges than required for Eagle. As a result, he was also awarded all Eagle Palms (Bronze, Gold and Silver), based on achieving 5, 10, 15 or more badges beyond the 21 required for an Eagle Scout.
Andrés was also recognized with the BSA Interpreter Strip-Español, the first earned for his troop. In 2016, along with other Scouts and mentors, Andrés founded the Troop 731Community Service SteeringCommittee, to encourage service ideals and create a positive impact in the community. The Scouts participated in Clemmons Spring Cleanup, the Salvation Army’s Ring the Kettle Bell, food drives, and bagging snacks for kids in need. After Hurricane María devastated Puerto Rico, Andrés and his troop collected funds and over 800 pounds of disaster relief supplies to benefit Scouting families of brother Troop 591in Puerto Rico.
Andrés completed his Eagle Project in the summer of 2018. His project involved planning, developing, and leading in the installation of six dog-waste stations in the Village Point Greenway area of Clemmons, with the help of Scout volunteers. The availability of these stations makes it easier for pet owners to properly dispose of their dog’s waste while in public areas, contributing to clean community initiatives. The Village of Clemmons Stormwater Department also invited Andrés to assist in the Dog Waste Station Installation Program to encourage the installation of additional stations in the community.
Earning an Eagle Scout Award requires dedication and hard work and is recognized in many facets of life. College admissions boards recognize those having the award as part of the admissions process. Recruiters and companies also take note of applicants who have earned their Eagle Scout status. The designation is known for the caliber and integrity held by those holding the rank of Eagle Scout.
Scouts BSA Troop 731 is sponsored by Clemmons United Methodist Church through Old Hickory Council, BSA. For more information on Andrés’ Troop, please e-mail Office@ClemmonsUMC.orgor contact Old Hickory Council, BSA, at 336.760.2900.
Congratulations, Andrés, for achieving this high honor!
