2018 Eagle Scout of the Year applications due March 1

The American Legion's 2018 Eagle Scout of the Year will be named during the organization's annual Spring Meetings in May. The Eagle Scout of the Year application is now available online at www.legion.org/scholarships.

Applications must be submitted to each applicant's respective American Legion department headquarters by March 1.

The Eagle Scout of the Year will receive a $10,000 scholarship. Three runners-up will each receive $2,500.

To be eligible for the award, applicants must be a registered and active member of a Boy Scout troop, Varsity Scout team or Venturing crew chartered by an American Legion post, Auxiliary unit or Sons of The American Legion (SAL) squadron; or must be a member of a chartered Boy Scout troop, Varsity Scout team or Venturing crew and the son or grandson of a Legionnaire, Auxiliary or SAL member.

In addition, the applicant must be an Eagle Scout, a member of a religious institution, and have received the appropriate Boy Scout religious emblem. Other criteria include the demonstration of practical citizenship in church, school, Scouting and community; and reached the age of 15 and enrolled in high school at time of selection.

Department headquarters will submit their nominations by April 1 to National Headquarters. The National Americanism Commission’s Youth Activities Subcommittee will review all department nominations and select The American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year winner.

The Eagle Scout of the Year will join other American Legion youth champions at the 100th American Legion national convention in Minneapolis, Aug. 24-30.