Maxwell Hill, 12, has achieved the Eagle Scout ranking, the highest rank possible in the Boy Scouting Program of the Boy Scouts of America.

Hill has been working towards this achievement since the third grade, when he first became involved in the program as a Cub Scout.

In order to move up in the program, the scouts have to complete specific challenges. As the ranks get higher, the requirements become less skill-based and more merit based.

“The first couple [of] ranks are more skill-based: learning to tie knots, first aid, camping. As you get into higher ranks it’s more merit-based, such as Citizenship. The biggest task given to us to achieve the Eagle Scout ranking was to complete an Eagle Scout project. You have to do something that positively impacts the community,” Hill said.
The program has taught Hill many life skills like leadership.

“I’ve learned how to become a leader through helping to direct the younger scouts and teaching them what to do. The biggest thing, though, is learning to be able to plan something and execute it,” Hill said.