When Oglethorpe County High School senior Madelyn Flores joined Scouts BSA, she didn’t imagine that her journey would end with the program’s highest honor: the Eagle Scout.
Now, after six years of service and dedication, Flores has achieved that goal with the help of her troop, community and family.
“They (family and friends) definitely pushed me to make sure that I have it done,” she said.
Flores, who plays the clarinet in the OCHS marching band, became the second female in Oglethorpe County to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, preceded by Dolan O’Neal. O’Neal received the honor in September 2023.
Madelyn’s journey to becoming an Eagle Scout began after she watched her older brother, Conner Flores, participate in the program.
“He (Conner) seemed to enjoy it,” Flores said. “So, (I thought) maybe I would enjoy it, too.”
Flores' parents, Tony and Susan Flores of Winterville, have guided her through each step of her scouting journey.
Together, they help lead Troop 5344, the BSA girls’ troop, with Tony serving as scoutmaster and Susan as committee chair. Tony also serves as an assistant for Troop 44, the boys’ troop led by Jacson Moody.
“A lot of kids don't finish it,” Tony said. “They get to where they're in their high school years, and then it just kind of becomes less important to them.”
Earning the Eagle rank typically takes several years and requires scouts to complete 21 merit badges. The badges cover a range of topics, such as cooking, environmental science and personal fitness.
Merit badges, however, aren’t the only requirement.
“There’s other things on top of that,” Susan said. “Like learning how to tie knots and first aid. (There’s) a bunch of other things that you have to do on top of merit badges.”
All of these experiences culminate in a prospective Eagle Scout’s final challenge: planning and completing an Eagle Project.
According to Scouts BSA, the Eagle Project is a reflection of “who you are as a youth leader.” The end result of the project must have an impact on the scout’s community and reflect their “very best effort.”
For her Eagle project, Madelyn combined two of her biggest passions: scouting and music.
“It’s sunshades for the marching band,” Flores said. “They make sure that we don’t overheat ourselves during practice.”
The project, funded by OCHS Band Boosters, included two shade structures placed on either side of the band tower. Madelyn worked alongside band director Lee Jones and her father, to design the layout of the structures. They selected blue shades to match the school’s colors.
On construction day, Madelyn led a team of volunteers — including band members, her troop, former Eagle Scouts and her grandparents — to measure the area, dig holes, set the poles in concrete and attach shade cloths.
Band members have already enjoyed the structures during practices and band camp, praising the added comfort and shade.
Flores’ accomplishment also highlights the growing presence of girls in Scouts BSA.
Since opening its program to girls in 2019, local BSA troops have seen an increase in the number of female scouts completing the Eagle Scout process.
“From the very first campout we went in, the girls were outshining the same age boys,” Tony said. “It was really no surprise that so many girls out there are finishing, so it's really cool.”
For Madelyn, earning the Eagle Scout represents more than recognition.
“I think it means showing off that you did something that nobody else can do,” said Flores. “And it’s just more of an award than anything.”