Falkville senior earns Eagle award

By Staff
Bob Jaques, Special to the Enquirer
It was an exciting day last Sunday afternoon when Falkville senior Eric Huff met with Boy Scout officials and was told he had fulfilled the requirements to become an Eagle Scout.
Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is a goal of many who join the Scouting program, but only a few actually complete the requirements for Scouting's highest honor. Of all the millions of boys who have been in the Boy Scouts since it was formed in 1912, less than 2 million, or about 5 percent, have made it to Eagle Scout.
Being an Eagle Scout is not only unique in Scouting, but it will also carry a special significance the rest of his life as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service.
Merit badges are an important qualification because they signify the mastery of certain scouting skills. Of 120 merit badge topics, a minimum of 21 must be earned to qualify for Eagle. Huff, who has been a Boy Scout for almost eight years, earned a total of 30 merit badges.
Huff becomes the second in his family to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. His older brother Kevin was also an Eagle Scout.
Huff recently joined Hartselle Troop #336, but spent most of his time in Falkville Troop #55, which has not been active in recent years.
One of the key requirements to become an Eagle Scout is to organize, supervise, and complete a community service project. Eric chose as his project the building of a new pavilion at Falkville High School. With the help of Troop #336, Scoutmaster Scott
Owen and about 15 scouts, Huff worked two weekends last November building the pavilion. After about 109 man-hours, it was finished.
What made Huff want to earn his Eagle award? He said, "I don't like to start things and not finish them, and being an Eagle is a very prestigious honor". Will he still stay active in Troop #336? "Yes", he said, "I plan to stay involved and help younger scouts work towards their Eagle Award."
Huff is also an active student at Falkville High School. He played on the basketball and football teams; participated in track and field; and plays in the band. He is the son of Kathy Huff of Falkville and Tony Huff of Madison.
Huff will officially receive his Eagle Award at a special Court of Honor ceremony sometime within the next six weeks.