| Published March 13th, 2024 | Three Orinda scouts achieve scouting's top rank | | Submitted by David Beckman | ![](../issue1802/images/1802-01801.jpg) | From left: Eagle Scouts Myles Miller, Ryan Loughran and Eliot Kim Photo Angelica Steinmeier | On Dec. 2, 2023, Scouts Boy Scouts of America Troop 303 of Orinda held an Eagle Court of Honor at St Stephen's Episcopal Church to commemorate the achievement of three Scouts, Myles Miller, Ryan Loughran, and Eliot Kim, each of whom obtained scouting's highest rank, Eagle Scout. The Eagle ceremony drew scouts, parents, and a host of local officials.
Since its inception in 1912, only 2% of eligible scouts have obtained the Eagle Scout rank. Eliot, Ryan, and Myles join a stalwart group of only 136 Orinda scouts who have earned the rank in over half a century, since the first Orinda Eagle commendations in 1968.
A key requirement of Eagle Scout attainment is the "Eagle Project," which benefits the local community. Scoutmaster Angelica Steinmeier, who along with Scoutmaster Michael Finegan, leads Troop 303, notes that "when meeting with life scouts on project selection, I encourage them to choose a cause that they are passionate about." In recent years, Eagle projects have benefited the Lamorinda area and as far away as Castro Valley. Projects underway now will extend Troop 303's service to Oakland, through an effort to provide backpacks and school supplies to unhoused and housing insecure youth.
Students in the fifth grade and up and their parents/guardians are welcome to attend an Open House at St Stephen's Episcopal Church on Monday, March 25, 66 St. Stephen's Drive in Orinda, at 7:30 pm. Or for more information, please reach out to Troop Communications Chair, David Beckman, at troop303communications@gmail.com or visit Troop 303's website. | | | | | | | | | | | | | |