There’s a proverb that it takes a village to raise a child. In the case of helping a young person grow from a Tiger Cub to an Eagle Scout, it takes the determination of the young person, a supportive family and countless caring adults.

I was fortunate to attend an Eagle Scout Court of Honor with Troop 941 in Fulshear. Will and Robbie Stomierowski, Grant Nowotny, Ryan Burdette and Luke Stoddard were being recognized for this achievement.

Having a court of honor for one Scout is something to celebrate. Having five reach this pinnacle from one troop at the same time is an incredible achievement.

Since 1912, only 2% of enrolled Scouts have become Eagles, and the road isn’t easy. Scouts have to serve as a Life Scout for at least six months, demonstrate Scout spirit and leadership within the troop, and earn a minimum of 21 merit badges.

These merit badges aren’t earned in one afternoon. For instance, Scouts spend three months earning a financial planning badge and a personal fitness badge.

The would-be Eagle also has to do camp at least 20 nights with the Scout troop. These hours are from teens who are active in the school band, play sports, take AP classes, and have after-school jobs.

Their final step is completing an Eagle Scout project. The Scouts have to raise the money for the project, round up others to help and then complete the work. The projects these five undertook are benefitting this county every day.

Will built a bird sanctuary at a local park, and Luke created a fully outfitted campsite at Long Point Ranch. Grant restored a historic bell that was previously in the belfry at Fulshear United Methodist Church. He also built a seating area for the cross.

The new Daily Park in Simonton received two Eagle projects. Robbie built three benches at the park around the lake and Ryan built and installed Barred Owl houses.

Looking at those boys at the front of the room, I imagined all the people standing behind them, the wind beneath their wings, to coin a cliché.

There’s Darren McCarthy, Parks and Recreation Director for Fort Bend County, who found numerous Eagle Scout projects that would not only help the Scouts achieve their goal but also benefit the community for free.

Fort Bend County Commissioner Vincent Morales Jr. made time to talk with each Scout before signing off on the paperwork.

There’s Hannah Muegge, director of charitable activities at the James B. Harrison Foundation’s Long Point Ranch. They’ve encouraged these Scouts to enrich our area with their Eagle projects. All three were at the Eagle Court of Honor, further giving their support.

There’s the neighbors and friends who lent their expertise in everything from wood working to engineering. There’s Scout leaders who show up every week, on campouts and on Sunday afternoons to keep the Scouts on the right track.

I’ll give my husband Rick a pat on the back as he serves as a coach for the troop. Each new Eagle Scout honored him with a mentor pin as he helped them chart and complete the steps to Eagle.

I’m happy girls are now allowed into the Scouting program, and even prouder our 9-year-old granddaughter joined Scouts. She wanted to become an Eagle Scout, and I know she’ll achieve her goal.

When she’s standing in front of her fellow scouts, her grandfather tying her blue Eagle neckerchief around her collar, I’ll not only see her but the dozens of people behind her who helped her achieve her goal.

It’s all about the village helping rear the child.

This column was originally published in The Fort Bend Herald.