Brooks earns Eagle badge

Published 10:29 pm Saturday, December 13, 2014

Brooks

Brooks

Isaiah B. Brooks, son of Eric and Robyn Brooks of Suffolk, has achieved the highest rank in Boy Scouts, that of Eagle Scout. An Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held for Isaiah on Dec. 6 at West End Baptist Church in Suffolk.

Isaiah, 17, is a senior at Kings Fork High School and a member of Boy Scout Troop 1929, sponsored by West End Baptist Church under the leadership of Scoutmaster Stuart Fegley.

Isaiah started Scouting when he was in the third grad. As he became involved in the marching band, sports and other school activities, Scouting became more difficult, but he continued to pursue it.

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Isaiah is one of approximately 4 percent of all Boy Scouts to attain the Eagle Rank. Within that percentage, less than 1 percent are minorities.

As an African-American young man, Isaiah hopes his Eagle Scout rank gives other minorities a positive image of minority males instead of the negative images often seen elsewhere. The biggest influence in his life has been family and faith, he said.

As a member of Troop 1929, Isaiah has held numerous leadership positions, including quartermaster, chaplain aide and patrol leader.

For his Eagle Scout service project, Isaiah chose to build two benches at Murphy’s Mill in Suffolk. The deck seating will be useful for those enjoying the property for meetings and camping, and it will allow them to enjoy the view of the lake and the property, while reducing wear and tear of seating located inside the cabin.

Isaiah’s plans include going to college and pursing a degree in computer science with a minor in cyber security. He hopes to pursue a career in information technology.

This achievement was acknowledged by personal letters from a brigadier general and general in the U.S. Air Force, the director of the FBI, the mayor of Suffolk, the Kings Fork High School principal, and the head coach of the Pittsburg Steelers.