The Cherokee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America hosted hundreds of attendees this year to honor the accomplishments of the 2024 Eagle Scout Class at the annual Gathering of Eagles. Co-presenting sponsors Synovus Bank and EPB were there to support the work of these outstanding young people across the Tennessee Valley.
The 2024 Eagle Scout Class contributed nearly 10,000 hours of service to their local communities through 59 different projects.
"This Eagle Scout class is especially exciting as it is just the fourth in the history of the Cherokee Area Council that includes young women among its recipients," officials said.
Top awards were given to three youth for Eagle Scout Projects of the year:
• Shane Boyd of Jasper, for his project at Fiery Gizzard Trail conducting trail conservation and constructing a bridge at a location over a mile down the trail;
• Grady Pitts of Signal Mountain, for his project at East Lake Salvation Army Library revitalizing and installing all new Library Bookcases; and
• Cooper Hampton of Lafayette, for his project at Summerville Montessori Schools completely revitalizing their playground with interactive and educational elements.
The Cherokee Area Council also awarded the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award to adult Eagle Scout Clay Watson.
This award honors lifetime achievement of Eagle Scouts for their positive actions reflected by accomplishments and devotion to their local community, state and nation.
Adult volunteers and Scout leaders including Tim Knight, Leslie Miller and Jim Morgan received the Silver Beaver Award, given for outstanding volunteerism to the local Council.
J.J. Jerman was honored with the Council’s first Alumni of the Year award for his tireless efforts to promote reengagement of Scouting Alumni across the region.
This dinner served as the Council’s largest and most important recognition event for local Scouts and adult volunteers.
The event was held on Dec. 3 at the Westin in downtown Chattanooga, and featured Jed Mescon as Master of Ceremonies, with congratulatory remarks from officials with U.S. Senators Blackburn and Hagerty.