Joel Craven, back right, earned his Eagle Scout award April 21, 2024. Family attending his ceremony included his grandmother, Carolyn Staashelm, front middle, brother Kurt Craven, back left, and father Jay Craven, back middle, as well as others not pictured. (Submitted photo)

Since the inception of the Eagle Scout award in 1912, 2.01 percent of eligible Scouts have earned Scouting’s highest honor. On Sunday, April 21, 2024, Carolyn Staashelm and Jo Lynn Whittington made the trip from Westboro, Missouri, to Lee’s Summit, Missouri, where they met Teddi Stevens and Deb Hancock, who came north from Paragould, Arkansas, at a place affectionately known as the Scout Church where Pack 4366 and Troops 1366 and 7366 meet. This journey to the city was made to celebrate Joel Craven, 18, as he was awarded the highest rank in scouting, Eagle.

Joel is Carolyn’s grandson. He was not the first of her grandsons to receive the honor. In May, 2022, another grandson, Kurt, Joel’s brother, also received his Eagle. These two weren’t the first Eagles in Carolyn’s life. In 1983, her son, Jay Craven, also earned the rank with Troop 88 in Tarkio. This was the last Eagle to come under the tenure of long-time and beloved Scoutmaster, Carl Martin, and his wife, Betty. Under the guidance of Carl and Betty, many youth in the Tarkio area earned this highest honor in Scouting.

As all three of Carolyn’s Eagles can attest, attaining the rank is no solo feat. Many dedicated leaders, volunteers, friends, family members, and others assisted along the trail to make it possible. And one of those family members who is always supportive and encouraging was Carolyn. Carolyn said, “I’m very proud of all the hard work that all three of my Eagle Scouts have put in to reach this level.”