Matthew Burdy, an Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop 140, has achieved his fourth Eagle Palm. Matthew is the son of Michael and Deb Burdy, Elverson, PA and completed his Eagle Project by constructing a pavilion at the John Burdy Memorial Park, in Morgantown, named for his grandfather. Matthew is a senior at Owen J. Roberts High School.
The Eagle rank is the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouts. Only about 5% of scouts earned this in 2010. The merit badge requirement to become an Eagle is 21 merit badges, including certain required badges. The scout must also serve in a leadership position in the troop for 6 months and complete an Eagle project, scoutmaster conference and Eagle Board of Review.
The Eagle Palms are achieved by earning "five additional merit badges beyond those required for Eagle or the last Palm. Merit badges earned any time since becoming a scout may be used to meet this requirement" (source: Boy Scout website, entry 'Eagle Palms'). The scout must also be active in the troop for at least three months after becoming an Eagle or the awarding of the last Palm. The three month tenure requirement is required for each Eagle Palm.
It is very rare for a scout to receive four Eagle Palms. In fact, the advancement coordinator for the troop is not aware of any other scout recently in Chester County Council that has achieved this honor.