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Marietta teen Cecelia Pumpelly will make history on August 8, 2021 when she is set to be recognized as one of Metro-Atlanta’s first female Eagle Scouts – a prestigious achievement attained by some of the country’s most noteworthy figures. Cecelia is among hundreds of young women who make up the Inaugural Class of female Eagle Scouts.
Cecelia graduated from Campbell High School IB program, is a National Merit Scholarship winner, and will be attending the honors program at University of Georgia in the fall to study economics and Spanish.
“Earning the rank of Eagle Scout takes hard work and perseverance, and we are honored to recognize Cecelia for this significant accomplishment,” said Tracy Techau, Scout Executive/CEO of the Atlanta Area Council, BSA. “Along the journey to Eagle Scout, young people gain new skills, learn to overcome obstacles and demonstrate leadership among their peers and in their communities. These benefits are invaluable for everyone, and we are thrilled that they are now available to even more youth.”
Young women have been part of Scouting for decades in co-ed programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The BSA expanded that legacy further in recent years by welcoming girls into Cub Scouts and then into Scouts BSA. Since then, tens of thousands of young women across the country have joined the organization’s most iconic program with many, including Cecelia, working their way toward the rank of Eagle Scout.
“Being a part of Scouting has changed me as an individual and likely the trajectory of my life. On a surface level, merit badges like Emergency Preparedness made me rethink how I wanted to change the world, shifting my focus from a medical degree to a position in public health.” “I have had the opportunity to know what it truly means to be a leader and a teacher, and that being able to grow in both those areas is just as much about developing the people you’re leading as it is developing yourself. Yet, most of all, Scouting has taught me that whatever the boys can do, the girls can do too!”
Cecelia is the first Eagle Scout in her Troop 2019, chartered to The Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in East Cobb. Eagle Scout is the program’s highest rank, which only about 6% of Scouts achieve on average. To earn it, an individual has to take on leadership roles within their troop and their community; earn a minimum of 21 merit badges that cover a broad range of topics including first aid and safety, civics, business and the environment; and they must research, organize and complete a large community service project.
Cecelia’s Eagle Scout project consisted of building a flag retirement box and three portable benches for the church. The box serves as a way for community members to properly dispose of their flags, as well as education on proper flag etiquette.
Packs and Troops around Metro-Atlanta are welcoming new Scouts throughout the fall. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Scout, visit www.AtlantaBSA.org/Join.
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