When a Boy Scout attains the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest advancement rank awarded in Scouting, it is exceptional. When eight Scouts from the same troop are awarded the rank at the same time, it is extraordinary.

Troop 1011, which meets at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church in east Cobb, witnessed the extraordinary when Parks Chandler, Will Fulkerson, Hunter Hill, Andrew Meaux, David Masiarczyk, DeFord Smith, Charles Spencer and Michael Sterling all achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

“It’s particularly unique. I think it’s the third time in the history of the troop where we had a group or patrol that came in not only as first year Scouts but started as Tiger Cubs,” said Tom Whitfield, former Scout Master of the troop who worked with the Scouts from 2006 to 2012.

The boys participated together from age 6 to 18. “These guys are the symbol under a common bond that doesn’t necessarily have to do with church, schools or neighborhoods,” said the east Cobb resident. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have three sons who are all Eagle Scouts.

Reaching the rank of Eagle Scout is no small feat.

“About 2 percent of Scouts receive the rank of Eagle Scout,” he said.

A Scout must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges including 12 mandated Eagle Scout badges and 9 elective badges. Once the Scout earns his required merit badges, he must plan and execute an Eagle Scout project that is community-oriented.

The eight Scouts performed a variety of service projects that ranged from inventing a Trail Side Bike Repair Station to constructing and installing a wild animal enclosure for Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is more exceptional today than before.

“The distraction factor is off the charts these days. Our kids are exposed and expected to do so many things. The mere fact that any Scout can get Eagle and still do all the other things that are expected of him and the demands of school and church and community and parents is a phenomenal achievement. It’s nothing short of miraculous,” Whitfield said.

Their accomplishments don’t end with Scouting. They are a well-rounded, gifted group representing almost every high school sport including gymnastics, football, wrestling, swimming and baseball.

“To me these guys are Eagles whether we pinned it on them or not in terms of their contribution,” Whitfield said.