2017 Eagle Scout of the Year application online

The American Legion's 2017 Eagle Scout of the Year will be named during the organization's Spring Meetings in May. The Eagle Scout of the Year application is now available online at www.legion.org/scholarships and 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 and 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.

The Eagle Scout of the Year will join other American Legion youth champions at the 99th American Legion national convention in Reno, Nev., Aug. 18-22.