Eight Hazelwood School District students earned the rank Eagle Scout, the highest honor a Boy Scout can earn.

Sophomore David Benjamin, junior Jeffrey Craig and seniors Chris Singleterry and Marques Smith from Hazelwood Central High School, and juniors William Dixon and Justin Ruester and seniors Jordan Fusco and A.J. Kissner IV from Hazelwood West High School recently attained that rank.

The Eagle Scout Award is a performance-based achievement. To earn it, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in leadership, service and outdoor skills. A number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks and a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges. To become an Eagle Scout, boys must plan, develop and lead a service project helpful to a religious institution, school or their community.

More than two million young men earned this rank during the Boy Scouts of America's first 100 years of existence. More than 500 young men in the St. Louis council earn the rank each year. However, only two percent of all who join the Boy Scouts of America programs earn the award.