Bossier City teen Haley Henderson received her Eagle Scout rank on Aug. 8 at a Court of Honor at Asbury United Methodist Church, becoming the first female Eagle Scout in northwest Louisiana, a prestigious achievement attained by some of the country’s most noteworthy figures.
“Earning the rank of Eagle Scout takes hard work and perseverance, and we are honored to recognize Haley Henderson for this significant accomplishment,” said Jeff Brasher, Scout executive and CEO of the Norwela Council. “Along the journey to Eagle Scout, young people gain new skills, learn to overcome obstacles and demonstrate leadership among their peers and in their communities. These benefits are invaluable for everyone, and we are thrilled that they are now available to even more youth.”
Young women have been part of Scouting since 1971 in co-ed programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America including Sea Scouts, Venturing, Exploring and STEM Scouts. The BSA expanded that legacy further in recent years by welcoming girls into Cub Scouts in 2018 and into Scouts BSA in 2019. Scouts BSA is the program for youth ages 11- 17 previously known as Boy Scouts.
Haley grew up in a Scouting family, and as a Girl Scout she earned her Bronze Award and later spent a year as part of American Heritage Girls. When she completed the eighth grade, she joined the BSA’s Venturing Program. She served in this program as a crew vice-president and later president and was selected to serve in the local Norwela Council Venturing Officers Association as vice-president of communications. In 2019 Haley was recognized with the Venturing Leadership Award and then served as the local VOA president from June – December 2020.
Haley was a founding member of Troop 100-G in Bossier City, chartered by Asbury United Methodist Church. She has served in many leadership roles in Troop 100-G and in 2019 elected to Scouting’s National Honor Society, the Order of the Arrow. This past year she was elected as the chief for the local OA Lodge. She also attended the 2019 World Scout Jamboree and in 2020 attended the week-long BSA National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience and in 2021 served on staff for the NAYLE Course at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.
Outside of Scouting, Haley is active in both school and church. She served on middle and high school archery teams for four years, twice competing at the national level and once at the world competition. She was selected to the National Juniors Honors Society, is a member of the Airline High Beta Club and was recently selected as a candidate for the National Honors Society. At Asbury United Methodist Church, Haley is an active member of the youth group and has supported the local Katy Build Project, which builds homes for deserving veterans in the Shreveport/Bossier City area.
Eagle Scout is the program’s highest rank, which only about 6% of Scouts achieve on average.
To earn it, an individual has to take on leadership roles within their troop and their community; 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 they must research, organize and complete a large community service project. In addition to gaining skills that last a lifetime, individuals who earn the esteemed Eagle Scout rank can reference it for academic, vocational and military recognition, including scholarships and advanced military enlistment grade.