Boy Scout Troop #1006 from Second Baptist Church in Kansas City is welcoming three new Eagle Scouts.
Seventeen-year-old Bryce Rose, 16-year-old Wesley Phoenix and 15-year-old Roman Leapheart all got the honor on Saturday.
Their Scout Master Kenneth McFeders earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1964.
"For us to have three eagles coming out of the inner city, I feel that's a major accomplishment," McFeders said.
Bryce Rose
Out of close to 900 scouts, 53 from the urban core of those cities becomes an Eagle Scout. In the Boy Scouts of America, about four percent of all scouts achieve the honor.
Roman Leapheart added, "In our African-American community, it's even lower. I don't even think it has one in it."
These boys are increasing that percentage because all three of them are African-American.
The area council is working to hold more scout meetings after school to remove the transportation barrier and even offers scholarships to help boys who want to participate but whose parents can't afford it. They're also pushing scouts who transition into middle school to consider going for their Eagle.
Roman Leapheart
Each boy has to earn 21 merit badges and complete a community, church or synagogue related service project.
Bryce helped beautify the VFW Post #1829. Wesley helped clear a vacant lot at Second Baptist Church. Roman collected food and volunteered at Harvester's.
"These are my boys. They did the work. I just showed them the way," McFeders shared.
Wesley Phoenix
"I think it's important for everyone to know that there's still good things happening in the inner city," Bryce said. "We did this to set an example for other kids to follow and do great things with their lives."
Roman's message to other kids is, "They live in the inner city, they may come from a single-parent household, they may not go to the best school, but they can make something out of nothing."
Learn more about the Boy Scouts Heart of America Council.
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