A Timber Creek senior has joined an elite group of scouts, becoming one of a few dozen inaugurated this year as a Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Scouts BSA. But Alexandria Goodrich is in a class even more elite, becoming one of the few females in the country to earn the rank.

The Eagle Scout is the highest achievement attainable in the Scouts BSA. Scouts BSA was formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, but rebranded in 2019 as they added females to their programs. Since its inception in 1911, only around six-percent of Scouts have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Moreover, an even smaller percentage of women have obtained this prestigious award. Goodrich is one of nearly 1,000 girls to have achieved the rank which was awarded to females for the first time this year.

For Goodrich, this had been a lifelong dream come true.

“My brother is an Eagle Scout, and growing up I saw all that he learned, and I wanted that experience,” Goodrich said. “Throughout my entire journey, he was one of many people who supported me, along with my parents and the leaders of my scouting troop. Without them, I probably would not have earned the rank of Eagle Scout.”

In order to get to this rank, a member must earn at least 21 merit badges, demonstrate Scout Spirit, (an attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership) and lead a service project for the betterment of the community. Eagle Scouts are then presented with a medal and badge that recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout.

Goodrich joined Venture Scouts when she turned 14, and then Scouting BSA on February 1, 2019 — the date girls were let into the program formally known as Boy Scouts.

“I knew when I Joined Scouting BSA I wanted to become an Eagle Scout and with the 2-year extension they gave it became a real possibility”, Goodrich said.

This journey was not one without road bumps.

“Since I am a girl, I was criticized and belittled by a few boys in the program,” Goodrich explained. “Those who accept girls in Scouting BSA far outweigh those who don’t; but, even with all the support, I had to stand up for myself and those in my troop.”

Having only two years and being in the midst of a global pandemic, Alexandria had to seek a creative route. Fortunately, she found a creative way to give back to the community in a time of need.

“For my Eagle project, I donated 75 Party Boxes to Caprock Elementary School. Each box provided the essential items needed for a parent to throw an amazing birthday party for a child. In each party box, there were themed plates, napkins, cups, silverware, gifts, etc. “

Alexandria Goodrich with her Eagle project of 75 boxes filled with birthday party supplies for students having birthdays during the pandemic.
Alexandria Goodrich with her Eagle project of 75 boxes filled with birthday party supplies for students having birthdays during the pandemic.

Through her journey, Alexandria has not only gained confidence and experience, yet has also set the precedent for young girls looking to become an Eagle Scout one day themselves.

“I would advise anyone who is looking to join the Scouting BSA program not to rush the process and make friends with everyone you meet,” Goodrich said. “When you join a troop, you are making lifelong friends, and the experiences you make during every meeting and on every camp-out will stay with you forever.”

The rank isn’t an end, but, rather, a new beginning for Goodrich as she looks to attend college to major in aviation whilst still participating in her troop as an assistant scoutmaster and join a Venture crew near the college of her choice. 

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story misidentified Goodrich as a junior. She is a senior graduating with the Class of 2021.