LAPLACE — Justin Brown, an 18-year-old 2016 high school graduate and member of Boy Scout Troop 290 in LaPlace, recently earned the Boy Scouts of America’s highest honor, the rank of Eagle Scout.

A Scout achieves this honor by earning a minimum of 21 merit badges; planning, developing and leading a community service project; and successfully completing an Eagle Scout board of review. According to the National Eagle Scout Association, approximately 5 percent of Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

Brown, of Paulina, was presented his Eagle badge May 17 at a Court of Honor. Six other Eagle Scouts participated in the ceremony. They were J. Michael Brooks, Jordan Brown, Ty Dugas, Matt Epperson, Rulon McKay and Jason Rich.

In recognition of Brown’s achievement, he received commendation letters from St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom, Gov. John Bel Edwards, U.S. Sen. David Vitter and U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy. At the request of Cassidy, a flag was flown over the United States Capital May 5 for Brown, in honor of achieving his Eagle Rank. The flag was presented to Brown during the ceremony.

Brown also received an achievement certificate from State Rep. Randal Gaines, D-LaPlace, for his Eagle Scout achievement. 

Brown’s service project will benefit students and families of one of his former elementary schools, John L. Ory Communications Art Magnet School in LaPlace. He led a team in building four additional benches on the campus. The benches will be named in honor of his former middle school science teacher Tamara Holland, who died during the school year after a long battle with cancer.

John L. Ory Principal Christal Sylvain said being a hard worker and leader among his peers has always been a hallmark of Brown’s personality.

“These traits have translated well into his academic and service careers,” Sylvain said. “I believe that leaders should be adequately prepared and genuinely concerned about the well-being of those that come within their scope of management. I know that Justin’s passion to serve is genuine.”

Brown, the son of Alvin and Monica Brown, has been a part of Scouting since he was 8.

“Camping and activities were fun as I did them with friends,” Brown said. “The Eagle project taught me leadership and problem solving skills, while benefitting the community.”

Prior to the Court of Honor, Brown graduated as salutatorian from Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy with a 4.84 GPA. He was a team captain of the varsity basketball team, 2015-16 defensive player MVP, a baseball team captain, member of Mu Alpha Theta and member of the National Honor Society.

Brown received college acceptance letters from Duke University, Brigham Young University, Tulane University and Louisiana State University. Brown also plans to participate in a two-year church service mission.