Andrews The highest award given by the Boy Scouts of America is the Eagle award. Not everyone achieves this level in scouting, and the award can no longer be earned past age 18.
Elijah McCray from Troop 401 in Andrews has reached the goal and earned the prestigious Eagle pin.
During an intimate ceremony Saturday, about 20 people were in attendance at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Marble. In the Eagle Scout Court of Honor, Phil Keller called to order the ceremony at 2 p.m.
There were several components of the meeting before McCray received the award, with his family by his side. His father, Anthony, approached his son and tied the Eagle Scout scarf around his neck before his mother, Tina, added the Eagle Scout badge to Elijah’s uniform.
Elijah was also presented with a folded U.S. flag by Eddie Hollifield, vice chairmen of the Falling Waters District Daniel Boone Council of Scouts. The flag was flown over the nation’s Capital, specifically in honor of McCray’s achievement.
A certificate signed by U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) was also awarded. A U.S. flag flown over the state capital will be presented to Elijah at a later date.
“I feel very honored,” Elijah said. “I had a lot of help from my family and friends.”
Elijah started in Scouts when he was just 6 years old. He has earned about 60 merit badges in that time. One of his favorites is the medical badge in which he said “helped me to be prepared.”
Elijah plans on attending Western Carolina University so he can work toward getting a computer science degree. He credits the Boy Scouts for introducing him to the wide variety of subjects that have provided him with much knowledge for life.
Elijah is the fourth young McCray to have earned the Eagle award. His brothers – Larry, Gilbert and Billy – have all been where he stands today, in front of proud family and friends receiving the highest award the Boy Scouts have to offer.
The McCray family is not done with Scouting yet, as there’s a fifth youngster in the program and on the way up. Eight-year-old Hannah is earning her way through the badges with hard work and dedication. She enjoys going to the meetings and working on various projects.
“I’m working on cards for the nursing home and also made shoeboxes filled with stuff for other kids who don’t get a lot at Christmas,” she said.
Hannah has earned Bobcat and Wolf badges so far. She wants to be an Eagle Scout one day, just like her four older brothers.
Mom, Dad and Grandma Lue Garrett are all very proud of their kids.
“I thank the good Lord for giving us our kids and to see them grow up into fine Christian people,” Anthony said with a big fatherly smile.
The McCray brothers agree that Scouting has been an important part of their lives. Their years of involvement have had a positive impact on their paths.
COVID-19 has hurt the Scouting program, which desperately needs volunteers to be leaders. If you would like to help, contact Scout Commissioner Phil Keller at 828-361-0611.