History has been made: In the Boy Scouts, there's now almost 1,000 female Eagle Scouts. That is the highest honor one can earn within the organization. Of those to reach this incredible achievement, two are from Iowa.

Earlier this week, the Boy Scouts of America officially recognized 16-year old Angelina Hemphill of Ankeny Troop 188 and 15 year old Hannah Massey, of Ottumwa Troop 219 and who is pictured in this article, as the council’s first two female Eagle Scouts.

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The two will forever have the honor of being in the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts nationwide. According to a press release sent to this station by Mid-Iowa Council, only about six percent of Scouts are able to reach the highest rank. To earn it, Eagle Scouts are required to take on leadership roles within their troop and their community. They must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges that cover a broad range of topics including first aid and safety, civics, business and the environment; and research, organize and complete a large community service project.

Girls were first allowed to join the BSA, Boy Scouts of America, in 2018. While considered controversial for some, in 2020 the Girl Scouts went after the BSA for what they said was an attempt to poach girls from their organization. Learn more about the Scouts in Iowa on their official website.

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