Carrollton High School junior Matthew Basil was honored Nov. 13 at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor — a ceremony used to celebrate individuals who have attained the Scouting’s highest rank. 

Before officially becoming an Eagle Scout, Matthew facilitated a public health education and awareness program for campers over a two-week period last summer for his Eagle Scout Project. He partnered with the school district to host th program and Robin Street, a Carrollton City Schools nurse, offered the medical expertise to teach proper hand-washing techniques to campers. 

In scouting, Eagle projects are as much about learning to lead as much as providing a community service. 

“The Eagle Scout Project was a process,” said Matthew. “It was required that I organize a program with time schedules, bring people together – socially distanced, of course – locate volunteers, gather supplies, organize and coordinate a meeting,  add depth to simple ideas, and communicate with adults. It also taught me that things will take longer than you think they will and to resolve multiple situations at once. The project taught me to think on my feet and delegate jobs to scouts and other volunteers.” 

At the ceremony which was held Nov. 13, Matthew was awarded a Good Citizen Citation from American Legion Post #143. He earned 42 merit badges and four Eagle Palms as well as the cyber chip, mile swim, kayaking, recruiter, world conservation and messenger of peace awards. Matthew became an Eagle Scout in August after passing his board of review.