Teen achieves Scouting's highest level
By MATT NEWHOUSE
News Editor
Andy Holt of Marion has completed all requirements to become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank available.
There have been millions of Scouts but Eagles remain rare.
For Holt, it is an even greater achievement. He met some of the requirements while battling a severe chemical imbalance that forced him to leave school and give up most activities.
"A lot of times, I didn't think about much else (but the condition)," he said. "But Eagle was always in the back of my mind."
Before the illness struck in 1999, Holt had met most of the award's requirements. His Eagle project, in which the Scout is to organize and oversee a major undertaking, involved a massive "litter sweep" of the Marion Reservoir shoreline. Litter measuring in the tons was picked up by volunteers, organizations, Boy and Girl Scout troops, and youth groups.
But even then, Holt had started to experience occasional dizzy spells. Eventually they grew more severe, leaving him flat on his back.
Experts finally diagnosed a rare medical condition in which the body produces a chemical that causes blood to pool in the legs and lower body. Standing up became an achievement; any exertion would leave Holt exhausted.
Drug therapy helps control the imbalance, but symptoms remain a fact of life for Holt. He plans to return to high school full-time this year, despite the illness.
Falling just short
Understandably, achieving Eagle ranking dropped from the priority list.
"At that time, I was short three merit badges," Holt recalled.
Eagle Scouts must have 21 merit badges, including some that are required. They include merit badges that reflect Scouting's emphasis on citizenship, health, and the outdoors.
A Scout can have many merit badges, but if he doesn't have the required ones, he can't earn Eagle.
One Holt needed was Physical Fitness, for which Scouts must meet various calisthenics and running requirements. Since Holt could not meet those requirements, he applied to the Boy Scouts of America for an exemption. Scouts who receive exemptions must use another merit badge to meet the requirement.
Another goal
Holt, who had earned a number of merit badges related to physical activity, used his Swimming merit badge to meet the requirement.
With all requirements met, the Eagle was approved this spring. Presentation dates keep changing, Holt said with a smile. Originally it was planned for this summer, but it may wait until the fall.
In the meantime, Holt continues to earn merit badges — he's at 37 and counting.
He has a new goal: 50 merit badges by his 18th birthday, Feb. 7. Scouts can't earn merit badges past 18.
Holt's badges demonstrate the wide range of merit badges available, including Theater, Camping, Citizenship in the World, Sculpture, and Personal Management.
"They're interesting," he said. "You can learn about a lot of things."
For Holt, the most difficult to earn was Small Boat Sailing.
"Learning to steer on the water was not easy for me," he said. "But when you talk to Scouts, most say the hardest is Environmental Science."
Environmental Science requires Scouts to spend a lengthy time observing a natural setting. They record what they see, the temperature, and other factors. Then they go back on another date, observe again, and write a report comparing and contrasting what they saw.
"Sitting for eight hours, very quietly, listening," Holt said. "It's very boring."
The easiest ones for Holt were Swimming and Canoeing (both earned before his physical condition changed), and Basketry, which is famous for having only two requirements.
Most of Holt's badges came from busy days at summer camp. It can be a challenge finding qualified merit badge counselors in Marion. He's working on seven badges now; Marion High School science teacher Bruce Rhodes is counselor for four.
Merit badges earned beyond the minimum required for Eagle can be applied toward bronze, silver, and gold pins that attach to the Eagle medal. Any five merit badges may be used to qualify for each of the three pins. Patches and other awards also are available to Scouts who earn certain combinations of merit badges.
