Local Troop Celebrates First Eagle Scout

Dalton Curtis Earns Prestigious Honor

Dalton Curtis (15), became the first scout from Troop 597 to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Darren Doyle, story:​
Dalton Curtis, a 15-year old freshman at Edmonson County High School, became the first Eagle Scout from local Boy Scout Troop 597 on November 25, 2018.

Dalton, who was one of the founding members of BSA Troop 597, said becoming an Eagle Scout was one of his goals from day one.

"I joined Cub Scout Pack 597 when I was six years old and in first grade," said Curtis. "When I became a Wolf scout my dad took over the pack as the Cub Master. When I was Bear scout I attended my first Patriot Games at Fort Knox and my brother joined scouts. When I was a Webelos I learned that it stood for "We be loyal scouts". I earned my Arrow of light ,the only cub scout patch you can put on your Boy Scout uniform. I was the founder with another boy by the name of Derick Jaggers."

The nine-year journey to Eagle Scout wasn't an easy one. According to BSA, only 4% of scouts earn the honor of Eagle. Dalton said the most difficult part of the quest is earning the required merit badges, which takes years to complete. Dalton completed the following required merit badges for his Eagle Scout: Camping, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Cooking, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, First Aid, Cycling, Personal Management, Personal Fitness and Family Life.  Dalton completed the following elective merit badges for his Eagle Scout: Kayaking, Canoeing, Music, Pets, Rowing, Woodwork, Reading and Fire Safety.

The final project required for an aspiring Eagle Scout is one that must lead and guide others, which can include scouts and/or non-scouts.  Dalton had to see that funds were secured for the project, as the benefiting organization was not to pay for the project.  For this final project, the task he chose was installing an information kiosk at his church, Northtown United Baptist, so that they could post any important information to the public. Dalton had to plan, develop, and lead the project that demonstrated both leadership and a commitment to duty. After all requirements were met, he had to complete an Eagle Scout board of review. 

During his journey, Dalton attended numerous camps and was chosen to participate in the Counselor in Training Program (program where eligible scouts are selected by the Boy Scouts of America, and the Lincoln Heritage Council to provide mentoring to scouts attending summer camp). He was also elected by his fellow Troop scouts to be a member of the Order of the Arrow (a scouting honor society), and he served his Troop as a Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, OA Representative and Scribe. 

Dalton was also elected by his fellow OA Scouts to serve as Scribe.  Dalton gave back to his community in numerous ways by participating in community service projects for the Edmonson County Parks and Recreation and by assisting with Veteran’s programs to include multiple Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day Ceremonies and events.  

Dalton spoke of his complete scouting experience, which has brought a lifetime-worth of memories over the past 9 years.

"I flew through my Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, and Star ranks, and I did them over a span of close to three years due to the time requirements," he said. "The rank that took me the longest was my Life rank because I had to do all of my Eagles scout stuff at that rank. I have attended three summer camps at Roy C. Manchester as a camper and one year as a CIT ( counselor in training). I have been invited to go to Philmont Scout reserve to do a high adventure hike over a two week span in the summer of 2019 with scout troop 47 out of Franklin, Kentucky. The road to Eagle was extremely fun and interesting, I am the first Eagle Scout in Troop 597, and I learned a lot about leadership and first aid. The people that helped me with my project was my family, friends, and fellow scouts."

​While there has been at least one more Eagle Scout out of Edmonson County, Chris Alford, who was awarded the honor in the early 90s, Dalton is the first from Troop 597. It was also recently noted that local district judge J.B. Hines is also an Eagle Scout.

Not only has Dalton excelled in scouting, but also a host of other projects, clubs, and organizations. During his Eagle Scout quest, he has been involved with the Edmonson County Archery Team, Future Farmers of America, BETA, the Edmonson County Marching Band, Spirit Club, and has also achieved gifted and talented in mathematics and language arts.

With this lifetime achievement, Eagle Scout Dalton Curtis is now eligible for various scholarships and may receive advanced enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces.

"I hope to stay in boy scouts until I age out at 16 years old," he said. "I am going to go to college after I graduate from high school. I want to go into the military after that I want to go into law enforcement."

Dalton is the son of Derek and Joy Curtis of the Wingfield community. 

Edmonson County Boy Scout Troop 597 is chartered by the Edmonson County Lion’s Club.
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