Three in Philadelphia troop become Eagle Scouts

The next time you lament "What's the matter with kids today?," consider these three teens from the historically black Boy Scout Troop 133 in West Philadelphia.

Donald Hunt, 17, has been the troop chaplain and plays cello at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts.

Jordan Perkins, 18, just graduated from the elite Masterman High School and will attend the University of Pittsburgh as an engineering major.

Irvin Anglin Jr., 17, has made honor roll the last three years at the college-preparatory Freire Charter School.

On Saturday, all three became Eagle Scouts.

"When you say 'Eagle Scout,' even if you don't know much about scouting, you know what that means," said J.R. Brockman, scoutmaster for Troop 133.

"They've been working on this for literally 10 years," said Brockman, whose troop is sponsored by the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Overbrook Farms.

To become an Eagle Scout, you need at least 21 merit badges and a record of "scout spirit," leadership and service.

The prestige of the rank was underscored by numerous congratulatory proclamations and letters from big-name elected officials, including Mayor Nutter and U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter.

Each document was read aloud during the promotion ceremony in the sanctuary of St. Thomas.

Each teen received a personal congratulatory note from President Bush and Laura Bush.

Hunt's jaw dropped when he heard his.

When it was time to assume the highest rank in scouting, their scout leaders switched their red neckerchiefs to blue ones. Then each of their mothers affixed the Eagle Scout medal to their shirts.

As new Eagle Scouts, the three join elite company.

There are 4,885 boys in scouting units in Philadelphia, said Denise Dougherty of the Cradle of Liberty Council of the Boys Scouts of America.

Last year, 40 scouts achieved the rank of Eagle in Philadelphia.

Since 1996, when scouting was revived at St. Thomas after a four-year hiatus, there had been three Eagle Scouts prior to Saturday. The troop currently has 22 scouts, Brockman said.

Aside from a little friendly ribbing about their personalities and memorable incidents, the new Eagle Scouts were showered with praise.

"They've never been disrespectful a day that I've seen them," said Darnell Sadler, assistant scoutmaster.

"I'm very proud of him today," said Pat Hunt, 51, Donald's mother.

"He was very shy as a young boy," she said. "This really helped him bring out the creative side, helped him be more team oriented."

Hunt and Anglin will move on to their senior years of high school. Perkins will leave the troop to attend college.

To be eligible for Eagle Scout, you have to be younger than 18. Perkins turned 18 in February, but it was determined he qualified before his birthday.

"Scouting is not only fun, but it has helped me to grow," Perkins said. "It helped me to become who I am."

In 2006, the trio and other scouts from Troop 133 gained notice when they traveled to Alaska to attend summer camp.

Anglin completed his requirements for a swimming merit badge in an Alaskan lake with a water temperature below 60 degrees.

On Saturday, Anglin said he was nervous. "I just want to get the ceremony over with," he said beforehand.

Afterward, they posed for photos with their troop in front of the church. When their obligations were over, they ran like giddy children to finally get something to eat.