KYLE — A Hays High School senior has reached the highest rank attainable in Boy Scouts.
Tate Kirschner, 17, has become the second Eagle Scout of Troop 812 (chartered by Kyle VFW Post 12058). Since the first Boy Scout earned his Eagle award over 100 years ago in 1912, the distinction has been earned by more than two million young men, and now a few young women as well.
“I am the third Eagle Scout in my family and it means a lot to me,” Kirschner said. “I lost two grandfathers, both Navy veterans, who could not be here. My mom made a promise to my grandfather that she’d do everything to help my three brothers and I pursue and reach our Eagle Scout rank. Three down, and one to go.”
Fewer than 5% of Boy Scouts nationwide attain the Eagle Scout rank. Requirements to attain the rank include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating ideals of service and leadership, including organizing and leading a service project.
Kirschner’s Eagle Scout project is a high-quality stone path with lighting leading to the children’s playground for Fellowship Church of Plum Creek. Kirschner said he is “grateful to Rudy Cedillo” for allowing him to complete the project.
Kirschner, who graduates on May 31, has participated in band, theater, speech and debate, has been vocal in student rights during the pandemic mandates, and created the first Turning Point USA chapter at Hays High School. He joins the Eagle Scout rank alongside older brothers Skye and Cole. Cole is also the Assistant Scoutmaster and Order of the Arrow Representative for Troop 812.
Kirschner was celebrated with a Court of Honor on May 15 at Texas Old Town.
