BAY MINETTE, Alabama — Andrew Howell and Hunter Smith of Bay Minette have earned the rank of Eagle Scout, scouting’s highest honor. Both are members of Boy Scout Troop 78 which meets at First Presbyterian Church in Bay Minette.

As part of their requirements to reach the rank of Eagle, a Scout must earn 21 merit badges, 12 of which are specified and the others are electives. The Scouts must also serve in leadership positions in the troop and plan, develop, organize and carry out a service project.

Andrew’s Eagle Project consisted of installing a flag pole and sitting area to be used by the track, baseball and softball fields at Escambia Academy in Canoe. Andrew is a sophomore at EA where he plays the saxophone in the school band.

He has been involved with Scouts since the first grade and earned his Arrow of Life while part of Pack 76. Currently, Andrew has earned 46 merit badges and is a member of the Order of the Arrow. His Court of Honor ceremony was held March 19 and he was appointed as Junior Scoutmaster and will continue to work with younger Scouts to obtain their goals. Andrew is the son of Michelle and Banks Howell of Bay Minette.

Hunter’s Eagle project was the restoration of the outdoor classroom at Baldwin County High School. The BCHS senior is a part of the football, soccer and bowling teams at BCHS and serves as president of the National Honor Society. He is also a Junior Ambassador for the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

He began Scouting with Pack 176 in Perdido and earned the Arrow of Life to transition to Troop 78 in sixth grade. He has served in several leadership roles and was selected for the Order of the Arrow and currently serves as a troop guide.

Hunter has been accepted to Marion Military Institute where he will be preparing to seek an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy. His career plan is serve as an officer with the U.S. Coast Guard. Hunter is the son of Tammy and Craig Smith of Perdido.