Three local scouts received the prestigious Eagle Scout recognition on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Granite Station Cowboy Church in Checotah.

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a milestone that only about six percent of Scouts nationwide ever achieve.

After years of dedication, service and leadership in Scouting Noah Phillips, Blaine Whitehouse and Owen Ramirez were celebrated for this outstanding award.

The Journey to Eagle

Eagle Scout is the highest honor a Scout can achieve in Scouting America. Earning this rank represents years of dedication, growth, leadership and service.

To reach this level, each Scout must progress through a series of ranks: starting with no rank, then advancing to Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life. Along the way, Scouts earn merit badges, which are a core part of the advancement process.

Scouts can choose from 139 different merit badges, each offering the opportunity to explore new skills and interests. These badges span a wide range of subjects, including Science, Technology, Outdoor Skills, Citizenship, Vocational Skills, Life Skills, and Arts and Crafts.

To achieve the Eagle Scout rank, a Scout must:

• ∙Reach the rank of Life Scout

• Earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, including 13 Eagle-required badges

• Be actively involved in their troop and serve in leadership roles

• Demonstrate Scout Spirit by living the Scout Oath and Law in everyday life

• Plan, lead, and complete an Eagle Scout Service Project that benefits the community

• Successfully complete an Eagle Scout Board of Review — all before their 18th birthday This path is challenging and requires dedication, perseverance and a strong commitment to the values of Scouting. Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is a lifelong honor and a testament to a Scout’s character and accomplishments.

To become an Eagle Scout, candidates must complete a long list of requirements, including earning at least 21 merit badges, demonstrating leadership in their troop, and planning and executing a significant service project that benefits the community. For these three local scouts, the journey was as much about growth and perseverance as it was about badges and projects.

PROFILES OF THE NEW EAGLES Blaine Anthony Whitehouse – Eagle Scout

Blaine Anthony Whitehouse is a proud 2025 graduate of Warner High School. He is the son of Jessica and Sean Whitehouse. In March 2025, after six dedicated years with Scout Troop 642 in Checotah, Oklahoma, Blaine achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout—the highest honor in Scouting— through hard work, leadership and service.

For his Eagle Scout service project, Blaine designed, constructed, and installed a collection box for worn American flags in need of proper retirement. The box is located near the parking lot of the Masonic Lodge in Checotah, where fellow Scouts will collect the flags and retire them with dignity in formal ceremonies.

Blaine’s Scouting journey has been filled with unforgettable experiences. His first memory as a Scout was a thrilling 50-mile canoe trip down the Illinois River—made even more memorable by a near-tip of the boat! His favorite memory was attending his first sleepaway summer camp at Hale Scout Camp in Talihina. Despite the intense summer heat, he enjoyed swimming, making new friends, and cooling off at the water refill station.

Outside of Scouting, Blaine enjoys camping, biking, and playing video games. He has a growing interest in computer hardware and hopes to build a career in technical support. This fall, he plans to continue his education and training at Talking Leaves Job Corps.

Owen Alexander Ramirez – Eagle Scout Owen Alexander Ramirez is a proud graduate of the Eufaula High School Class of 2025. He is the son of Shaunna and Ernest Modesto. In July 2025, Owen achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Scouting.

O wen’s Scouting journey began in first grade with Pack 449 in Eufaula, Oklahoma. As a Cub Scout, he participated in many exciting adventures. Some of his favorite memories include a tour of Braum’s Dairy Farms in Tuttle, Oklahoma; an overnight trip to NASA’s Space Center in Houston; WEBLOS Aquatic Camp; and countless camping trips. In his final year as a Cub Scout, Owen transferred to Pack 642 in Checotah, where he earned the Arrow of Light Award— the highest achievement in Cub Scouting.

He then crossed over to Troop 642 in Checotah, where he remained an active and committed member throughout his Scouting career. Highlights of his time in the troop include summer camps, merit badge fairs, tours of the Oklahoma State Capitol, a group trip to St. Louis, and the tradition of Black Friday camping at Robbers Cave.

In late 2024, Owen began planning his Eagle Scout Service Project. Reflecting on his years in Scouting, he identified a consistent need: his troop and pack lacked a reliable way to practice flag ceremonies in preparation for events. Wanting to leave a meaningful legacy, Owen proposed the installation of a flagpole at Black Jack Bluff, a popular youth group camping area within Lake Eufaula State Park.

With park approval, Owen led the project from start to finish. He gathered support from local businesses and community members: Dawson Law Office, P.C. donated the flagpole kit, complete with a solar light and American flag; McQuay Construction provided the concrete; and Dawson Construction contributed tools, materials, and labor. Although poor weather delayed the installation, Owen showed patience and persistence, ensuring the project was completed successfully.

Outside of Scouting, Owen enjoys playing video games and spending time with friends and family. He is currently taking a gap year, with plans to continue his education in Computer Information Technology at Kiamichi Technology Center in McAlester.

Noah Andrew Phillips – Eagle Scout Noah Andrew Phillips is a proud graduate of the Checotah High School Class of 2025. He is the son of Leslie Phillips and Faye Ross. In May of 2024, Noah earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Scouting.

Noah began his Scouting journey in September 2012 with Troop 642 of Checotah, Oklahoma. Over the years, he built strong friendships and lasting memories— some of his favorites include camping alongside Troop 743 of Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

When it came time to plan his Eagle Scout Service Project, Noah reached out to his troop’s chartered organization, the Checotah Masonic Lodge No. 86, to see how he could be of service. The lodge requested assistance with much-needed repairs and maintenance. Noah took initiative by assessing the site and organizing a team of over 20 volunteers and fellow Scouts. Under his leadership, the team removed a decaying tree, installed a French drainage system, re-plumbed the toilets, and upgraded the exterior lighting fixtures, greatly improving the functionality and safety of the lodge.

Currently, Noah is attending Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) in Okmulgee, where he is enrolled in the Lineman program to pursue a career in electrical utilities.

Troop 642 has had the privilege of having the following Eagle Scouts Award since 2020.

• Timothy Summers – 2020

• Owen Taylor – 2021

• Jayton Stahlhut – 2022

• Noah Phillips – 2024

• Blain Whitehouse – 2025

• Owen Ramirez – 2025 Eagle Scouts leave a lasting impact. While the badges and honors mark their achievements, the true measure of their Eagle rank will live on in the impact of their projects and the example they set for younger scouts in the troop. As they step into adulthood, each carries with him the confidence and skills forged by years of Scouting. The Democrat joins the community in wishing congratulations to these young men on their hard-earned achievements and wishes them continued success. The local Boy Scout Troop meets Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. at the Checotah Masonic Lodge #86.