The Eagle Scout rank is the best-known and most prestigious award in the Scouts BSA organization, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, but only about 4% of all Scouts devote the substantial time and effort to earn it.

The Epperson brothers – 16-year-old Jacob, 15-year-old Joshua, and 13-year-old Noah – are members of Troop 370, located in La Mesa. Jacob was on track to complete his Eagle requirements earlier this year but opted to wait until Oct. 24 when all three brothers could have their Boards of Review together. On that day, all three achieved the Eagle Scout rank.

“Having three Scouts from one family earn the rank of Eagle Scout is an accomplishment. Having three Scouts with a four-year age difference between all three achieve the rank of Eagle Scout on the same day is even more astonishing. Having worked with these Scouts and seeing the camaraderie and support for one another is very impressive. I truly enjoyed working with Jacob, Joshua, and Noah and know they will have successful futures whatever they choose to do,” said Jim Atkins, the District Eagle Board of Review Chairman.

Each of the boys began this quest when they turned 11 years old and joined Troop 370. They decided to make it a group effort.

“It was worth it because all three of us would work together and help one another to accomplish requirements for merit badges and rank advancements,” said Jacob. “It’s a ‘three-for-one’ deal.”

Joshua credits his accomplishments to supportive parents and strong Scout leaders who took a special interest in him and encouraged him every step of the way.

“We have grown and matured through active learning and outdoor experiences – and for us, it has had the added benefit of bringing our family even closer,” said Joshua. “That’s the heart of what scouting is about.”

“It was a lot of effort and towards the end, it became a race against time,” said Noah. “I made a goal to finish with my brothers and I made it.”

Throughout their scouting career, the boys made many trips and outings to various places across the state. Among other things, their experiences included camping in the Sierras, hiking Yosemite, horseback riding and fly fishing in the Sequoias, weeklong scout camps in the San Bernardino Mountains, beach camping, and bicycling around the San Diego Bay. Together, these three boys have squeezed a lifetime of experiences into several years of the Scouting program.

Their father, Dirk Epperson, would know a thing or two about the constant pace. He has been their Scoutmaster since 2015. A lifelong scouter himself, he knows how difficult this is. He earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1994. The boys have benefited from a supportive and loving family.

“We have devoted countless hours of effort to the success of our sons as they worked toward Eagle Scout rank – and their younger sister, Chloe, has cheered them on every step of the way,” said Megan Epperson.

The final requirement to earn the Eagle Scout rank is a service project. The three brothers’ projects combined for more than 400 hours of benefit to the community:

Jacob’s Eagle project added trail markers and distances at Hillside Park in El Cajon.

Joshua’s Eagle project installed a concrete pad around an existing flagpole at a church in La Mesa.

Noah’s Eagle project installed an informational bulletin board kiosk at the newly created walking trails at MacArthur Park in La Mesa.

They will be ceremoniously awarded the Eagle Scout rank at a Court of Honor scheduled for Monday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 5555 Aztec Drive in La Mesa.

— Tanya Castaneda is vice president of public relations at Manolatos Nelson Murphy, mnmadpr.com.