Emma Oehmke has become the first member of Scouts BSA Troop 1024 to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
A founding member of Troop 1024 in Sussex County, and the three Scouts from New Castle County, recently completed the Rank of Eagle Scout.
Brandywine Hundred, Del.—Emma Oehmke has become the first member of Scouts BSA Troop 1024 to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. This milestone, Ray Teat, Scouting Executive for Del-Mar-Va Council, says, underscores both her personal dedication and the enduring importance of Scouting’s highest honor.
Oehmke, a founding member of Troop 1024 in Sussex County, recently completed her Eagle Scout Board of Review, capping years of advancement, leadership, and service. Her Eagle project, “Cat Scratchers for First State Animal Shelter,” provided handmade scratchers designed to reduce stress and promote comfort for cats in the shelter’s care.
The project logged 106 hours of work by Oehmke and 17 volunteers. By supplying the scratchers, the shelter can avoid purchasing them and instead direct limited funds toward food, medical supplies, and daily care for the animals.
Oehmke’s achievement comes as local Scout leaders note that, even in 2025, earning Eagle Scout remains a rare and highly respected accomplishment. Fewer than 10% of Scouts ever reach the rank, which requires at least 21 merit badges, leadership roles within a troop, and the planning and execution of a major community service project before age 18.
“Eagle Scout still means something in our communities,” Ray Teat, says, pointing to the combination of character, service, and perseverance demanded by the program. The rank signals that a young person has demonstrated responsibility, initiative, and the ability to see a complex project through from idea to completion.
The Blue Hen District of the Del-Mar-Va Council also recently celebrated three new Eagles, following a night of Boards of Review.
Troop 252 Scout, Braden Butherus, installed an outdoor shade sail area at the Bear Glasgow Family YMCA in Newark, providing a new, sun-safe gathering spot for youth programs and community activities.
Naomi Dominick, of Troop 2522, became the first Eagle Scout in her troop. Her project focused on repairing outdoor picnic tables at The Tome School in North East, Maryland, improving a heavily used outdoor space for students and families.
Alex Beaudette, of Troop 252 in Newark, removed brush, built benches, and repaired a gate at St. John Holy Angels Catholic Cemetery in Newark, Delaware, enhancing safety and accessibility at the historic site.
Another Troop 252 Scout, Braden Butherus, installed an outdoor shade sail area at the Bear Glasgow Family YMCA in Newark, providing a new, sun-safe gathering spot for youth programs and community activities.
Ray Tret says projects like these illustrate how the Eagle rank continues to shape local communities. From animal welfare and school improvements to cemeteries and youth facilities, each Eagle project leaves a tangible legacy of service.
The rank also carries practical benefits. Colleges and universities often recognize Eagle Scouts as proven leaders and self-starters, giving them an edge in admissions. Many institutions and civic groups offer scholarships specifically for Eagle Scouts. Employers commonly view the rank as a sign of reliability and follow-through, and in the U.S. Armed Forces, Eagle Scouts may be eligible to enlist at a higher pay grade.
Beyond credentials, supporters argue that the path to Eagle fosters confidence and resilience. Scouts learn to plan trips, lead patrols, manage projects, budget time and resources, and work through setbacks—skills that translate directly into adult life.
The program’s required merit badges cover areas such as citizenship, environmental stewardship, personal fitness,
and financial literacy, blending traditional Scouting values with modern expectations for well-rounded young adults.
For Oehmke, Dominick, Beaudette, and Butherus, the new patch on their uniform represents more than a final rank. In Scouting circles, the phrase “Once an Eagle, always an Eagle” reflects a lifetime identity that continues to open doors in education, careers and community service.
As Troop 1024, Troop 2522, and Troop 252 celebrate their newest Eagles, Ray Teat suggested that the accomplishments of these Scouts send an important message: In a fast-changing world, character, leadership, and service are still deeply valued—and Eagle Scout remains a trusted symbol of all three.
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