Words and Images by Jenny Lynn Davis
On March 8, members of the community gathered at The Trace Church in Jasper to celebrate a milestone moment for members of a local scouting troop.
Karmen Luts, Brenda Sellers, and Kendra Williams became the troop’s first female Eagle Scouts, joining the ranks of those who have demonstrated leadership, service, and commitment to the values of scouting.
Earning the Eagle Scout rank is no small task, requiring scouts to complete several leadership challenges and a major service project. During the ceremony, Walker County District Judge Allison Jones, the event’s keynote speaker, spoke about what it means to earn this honor and the role these young women now play as leaders in their community.
“Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is not something that is given—it’s earned,” Jones said. “Eagle Scouts are recognized for their integrity, commitment, and willingness to take on responsibility when others look for direction. The path to Eagle is about more than meeting requirements; it’s about becoming a person others trust to make tough decisions, uphold fairness, and lead with wisdom.”
Jones also reflected on how scouting has evolved. She noted that until 2019, young women were not eligible to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Since then, more than 6,000 female Scouts across the country have reached this milestone.
“Earning the rank of Eagle Scout proves that leadership is about character, not gender. It’s about action, not words. Service, not status,” she said. “No matter where your future takes you—whether a courtroom, a boardroom, or a community in need—the values that brought you here today will guide you every step of the way.”
Each of the new Eagle Scouts contributed to the community through their required service projects. Luts organized a STEM camp for young girls, Williams led a beautification project at the First Class Pre-K Center at the former North Highlands School in Jasper, and Sellers organized a cleanup at a local Scouts campsite to keep it useful for future campers.
The ceremony followed traditional practices, including the Eagle Scout charge, the presentation of mentor pins, and the reaffirming of the Eagle Scout Pledge.
Jones closed her speech with a charge to the new Eagle Scouts:
“Your journey does not end here; it begins anew. Live every day by the Scout Oath and Law, holding yourself to the highest standards of honor and service. Stand for truth and justice, even when it is difficult. Use your leadership, wisdom, and strength to lift others, serve your community, and leave the world better than you found it.”
With that, Luts, Sellers, and Williams officially joined the ranks of Eagle Scouts, ready to take on new challenges, serve their communities, and set an example for others. WL
