These Central Virginia Young Women are Among Hundreds in the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts
Teen Emelia Delaporte made history on February 21st when she became one of the nation’s first female Eagle Scouts – a prestigious achievement attained by some of the country’s most noteworthy figures. Delaporte is among 6 young women in the Richmond area who will make up the Inaugural Class of female Eagle Scouts.
“Earning the rank of Eagle Scout takes hard work and perseverance, and we are honored to recognize these young women who have achieved the Eagle Scout rank. It is a significant accomplishment for any young person to achieve,” said George McGovern, the Heart of Virginia Council CEO/Scout Executive. “Our program is about Character and Leadership and that benefits all youth. These benefits are invaluable for everyone, and we are thrilled that they are now available to even more youth.”
Young women have been part of Scouting for decades in co-ed programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America (“BSA”), including Sea Scouts, Venturing, Exploring and STEM Scouts. The BSA expanded that legacy further in recent years by welcoming girls into Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA. Scouts BSA is the program for youth ages 11 to 17 previously known as Boy Scouts. Tens of thousands of young women across the country have joined the organization’s most iconic program with many, including Delaporte, working their way toward the rank of Eagle Scout.
“Joining BSA was something that I was waiting for a long time, and I’m glad that I waited. I love setting an example for young girls in my Troop. In the future, I would like to be an adult volunteer or even a Scoutmaster. I love that they give back and give of their time.” says Delaporte.
Eagle Scout is the program’s highest rank, which only about 6% of Scouts achieve. To earn it, an individual has to take on leadership roles within their troop and their community; earn a minimum of 21 merit badges that cover a broad range of topics including first aid and safety, civics, business and the environment; and they must research, organize and complete a large community service project.
Delaporte’s community project took place at her school, Midlothian High. She noticed that there were no places for her marching band to rest during breaks and often they would resort to resting on the ground. This inspired her to center her project around creating a resting area with several benches for her bandmates to easily take breaks. In addition to gaining skills that last a lifetime, individuals who earn the Eagle Scout rank can reference it for academic, vocational, and military recognition, including scholarships and advanced enlistment grade.