Impressive Eagle Scouts made history

The Boy Scouts of America’s opening of its doors to young women was a historic change.

And earlier this week, four local teens took another historic step, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the organization’s first class of females to receive the top scouting honor.

Congratulations to Jordan Locke of San Rafael,

Bella Segovia of Tiburon, Gina Schneider of Fairfax and Stefanie Iojica of San Anselmo for being part of this milestone.

To reach the rank, scouts earned at least 21 merit badges, served in leadership roles in their troop and led a community service project.

For instance, Locke raised money to build two planter boxes with fruit trees for the Canal’s neighborhood community garden.

Helping organize volunteers to work with the Marin Municipal Water District in building a puncheon bridge along Kent Trail was Segovia’s Eagle Scout project and Schneider worked with San Anselmo town staff to remove an illegal trail that was causing erosion in Sorich Park.

Iojica worked on native plant restoration at Old St. Hilary’s Preserve in Tiburon.

They are among the young people in Marin who donate their time and talent to community projects and programs.

They strived to make a difference and having earned this honor will always be a milestone in their lives.

They have also made a significant impression on their organization and its move to inviting young women to join what is now called Scouts BSA. They were able to reach the Eagle Scout in just two years, a testament to their commitment, hard work and leadership — and the support they have received from adult leaders in Marin’s local troops.

It is still likely an adjustment to consider young women being Boy Scouts, but the accomplishments of these four helps promote greater awareness that scouting has changed with the times.

These young women have opened the door to scouting a little wider for other girls.

They are role models for both boys and girls. Such role models are important.

“It’s a fantastic milestone. It’s incredible what these young women accomplished, a great achievement,” said Michael Dybeck, the Marin scouting council’s executive director.

If people have any question if girls belong in the

Boy Scouts, these four young women have provided a convincing answer.