Brothers Richard Tyson Jr. and LaTravious Tyson were recognized at a Court of Honor and awarded the Eagle Scout rank, the highest in the Boy Scouts of America, on June 18.

The rank of Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in scouting but also in higher education, businesses and in the military. The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been maintained since the BSA began in 1912.

It includes performing leadership roles within the troop as well as earning a minimum of 21 merit badges in areas including first aid, citizenship, cooking, environmental science, camping and personal life skills. It also requires that the Scout develop, organize and execute a significant community service project before his 18th birthday.

Only about 5 percent of all Boy Scouts earn Eagle Scout. A 2012 Baylor University study reports that Eagle Scouts are more likely to stay physically fit, volunteer for church and civic organizations, maintain positive family relationships, be leaders in their work and community, donate money to charities and work with neighbors to improve where they live.

Both Richard and LaTravious have been in scouting since the first grade. As Cub Scouts, both earned the Arrow of Light, the highest award in that level of scouting, and continued their journeys through the Boy Scout ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life to Eagle. Both are members of Troop 170 at First Presbyterian Church in Wadesboro. Their scoutmaster is Kenny Brower.

For his project, Richard completed a landscaping improvement project in front of the library of Anson High School. LaTravious also worked with the school administration and completed a beautification project on the side of the H Building of Anson New Technology High School.

Richard and LaTravious are the sons of Richard Tyson Sr. and LaSonya Clark. Richard, a 2016 graduate of Anson High School, plans to attend King’s College to major in business management and later earn his culinary arts degree. LaTravious is a rising sophomore at Anson Senior High School.

“Scouting to me as a parent has taught my boys so many things,” Clark said when asked what Scouting had given her sons. “They have gained more independence to be able to survive the outside world. They value respect more and self-discipline.

“They have learned to strive for things that they thought they were not able to achieve,” she added. “They understand that when the going gets tough, to continue to move forward strive until you meet your goals in life. Scouting has taught my boys teamwork and that by working together you can accomplish many of things in life. Scouting has helped my boys make positive decisions in life when negative things have come their way. They value friendship and trust from Troop 170 and others that have come in contact with them through their scouting life. Even though they have earned their Eagle Scout, they remain active in Troop 170 under the leadership of Scoutmaster Kenny Brower, a very dedicated leader for all the young guys.”

For information about how to become a Boy Scout in Anson or Richmond counties, contact Chris Ratliff at 919-441-7143 or christopher.ratliff@scouting.org.

Laura Laney is the Cubmaster of Pack 530.

Contributed photo Brothers Richard, left, and LaTravious Tyson are now Eagle Scouts.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_Eagle-Scouts-LaTravious-and-Richard-Tyson-fz.jpgContributed photo Brothers Richard, left, and LaTravious Tyson are now Eagle Scouts.

Contributed photo Troop 170 celebrates with new Eagle Scouts Richard and LaTravious Tyson.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_Eagle-Scouts-LaTravious-and-Richard-Tyson-w-group-fz.jpgContributed photo Troop 170 celebrates with new Eagle Scouts Richard and LaTravious Tyson.

Contributed photo LaTravious Tyson’s Eagle Scout project is a landscaped area on the side of the H Building of Anson New Technology High School.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_Eagle-Scouts-LaTravious-Tyson-project-fz.jpgContributed photo LaTravious Tyson’s Eagle Scout project is a landscaped area on the side of the H Building of Anson New Technology High School.

Contributed photo Richard Tyson’s Eagle Scout project is a landscaped area with benches in front of the library of Anson High School.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_Eagle-Scouts-Richard-Tyson-project-fz.jpgContributed photo Richard Tyson’s Eagle Scout project is a landscaped area with benches in front of the library of Anson High School.

By Laura Laney

For the Record