Leaders in the Making

PROTECTED CONTENT

If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.

Lost your password?

Username and Password Help

Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.

← Back

Leaders in the Making

Eagle Scouts Phillips and St. John Make Scott County Proud

By Shane Gilreath
SCN Contributing Editor
[email protected]

When Matthew Phillips and Peyton St. John first entered Scouting as six-year-old boys, neither could have known they were beginning a journey that would last more than a decade and culminate in one of the highest honors available to young Americans, but this year, the two young men earned the rank of Eagle Scout, joining a unique group in Scott County and a select group nationally who are recognized for their leadership, service, character, and perseverance. While the award is often symbolized by a badge, those who earn it know it represents years of commitment, personal growth, and an on-going willingness to serve others. That’s long been in its history.
The Eagle Scout rank, first established in 1912, is the highest achievement in Scouting America, the organization formerly known as Boy Scouts. To earn it, Scouts must advance through multiple ranks, earn at least 21 merit badges, serve in leadership positions, complete significant community service, and plan and execute an Eagle Scout service project. The process often takes years and requires dedication long after many peers have moved on to other interests.
Equally important, as the organization looks to the future, is that the Eagle Scout designation is designed to develop young leaders. Candidates are expected not only to participate but to lead, to organize projects, manage volunteers, become problem solvers, and be responsible in their efforts. For generations, colleges, employers, military recruiters, and community leaders have viewed the Eagle Scout rank as evidence of character, initiative, and commitment. Over the decades, Eagle Scouts have gone on to become astronauts, military leaders, governors, business executives, and community leaders. Among the most notable are filmmaker Steven Spielberg, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and astronaut Charlie Duke, one of the men who walked on the moon. But for a true Scout, the rank’s significance is not found in fame, but in the communities they serve.
Scouting was a family tradition, St. John told SCN. “I was 6 years old, and it was passed down from my dad, and his dad which was a scout master,” he said.
Although it took approximately six months to complete the final requirements to become an Eagle Scout, St. John said he had been working toward the goal since the day he joined Scouting. Along the way, he earned merit badges, demonstrated leadership, participated in community service, and completed an Eagle Scout project.
“The most difficult part was balancing all of the requirements with my other responsibilities while making sure each task was completed to the best of my ability,” he offered, signifying his ability to multi-task and balance obligations and duties that make a solid leader, and it’s obvious as he looks back over his days in Scouts. Like many Eagle Scouts, St. John found that the journey was about much more than a mere advancement, and, today, is grateful that scouting taught him persistence.
“The best lesson I have learned from my involvement in scouting is the importance of perseverance and helping others,” he said. “Scouting has taught me that challenges can be overcome through hard work, patience, and a positive attitude. It has also shown me the value of teamwork, leadership, and service to my community.”
Those lessons, he said, helped him grow as a person and prepared him to face future challenges with confidence and responsibility. As evidence, when asked what makes him most proud, St. John pointed not to a badge or a specific accomplishment, but to the personal growth he experienced through the program.
“Scouting has helped me develop leadership skills, build confidence, and learn the importance of responsibility and service to others,” he said. “I am proud of the goals I have accomplished, the challenges I have overcome, and the positive impact I have made in my community.”
Phillips’ Scouting journey began in a different way but at the same age.
“My dad took me to a meeting with a friend because we wanted to join scouts because it sounded like fun,” Phillips told SCN.
The experience almost ended before it truly began. Phillips recalled that when his friend quit Scouting, he considered doing the same.
“I was going to quit,” Phillips said. “Then Stephen West and his wife Patricia took over Pack 333. So, we stayed.”
From there, Phillips steadily advanced through the program, earning the Arrow of Light, the highest rank available in Cub Scouts, before moving into Troop 333 in February 2020.
His transition into Boy Scouts coincided with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed activities and created challenges for Scouts throughout the country. Despite the disruption, Phillips continued progressing toward his goal. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout on April 8, 2026, six years after earning his Scout rank and about a year and a half after achieving the rank of Life Scout.
“To earn Eagle, I had to get through six other ranks, earn at least 21 merit badges,” Phillips said.
While 21 merit badges are required, Phillips exceeded the requirement significantly, earning a total of 41 merit badges. He also served in numerous leadership positions, including Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader.
As previously reported by SCN, for his Eagle Scout project, Phillips chose one that would benefit local veterans. He planned, developed, and completed a Flag Retirement Ring and Flag Retirement Box for the VFW, contributing a total of 142 hours to the effort.
Among the most challenging aspects of the Eagle journey, Phillips pointed to the Personal Management and Family Life merit badges, which require extended commitments and careful record-keeping.
“What I learned was you have to stay focused on what you’re doing, time management, completing your task,” he said.
For his role, Phillips was recently recognized by State Representative Kelly Keisling, who presented him with a Tennessee House of Representatives Proclamation, a Tennessee Blue Book, and a Tennessee State Flag.
Though their paths to Eagle Scout were different, both young men emerged from the experience with many of the same lessons, those that will serve them well. Leadership. Perseverance. Service. Responsibility. Both began as six-year-old boys looking for adventure. Years later, they are young men who stand among the newest members of one of Scouting’s most respected traditions.
As they look toward the future, both encourage other young people to consider joining.
“I would encourage others who are interested in getting involved in scouting to give it a try and keep an open mind,” St. John told SCN. “The experiences and accomplishments are worth the effort.”

Phillips offered similar advice. “Getting involved in scouting is a great adventure,” he said. “And it is well worth the time. Have fun and enjoy.”
Their words and dedication to Scott County are a testament to their organization and reflect the very qualities the Eagle Scout rank was created to recognize more than a century ago. With an eye to building the leaders of tomorrow, the two young men continue to exhibit a commitment to growth, a willingness to serve, and the determination to see a challenge through to its conclusion.