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HERRIMAN — The Boy Scouts of America welcomed two new members to its highest rank of Eagle on Thursday. But unlike most Eagle Scouts who have to earn the badge by the time they turn 18, one of the new Eagles just turned 53 years old.
We first introduced you to Larre Zitting and Jordan Allen a year ago, as they finished their Eagle Scout project. As promised, KSL was there when they both officially became Eagle Scouts.
You won't find two happier scouts than Jordan Allen and Larre Zitting — and their smiles are even bigger now that they are officially Eagle Scouts.
"I almost started crying," Allen said. "It was actually really emotional. I'm impressed I got this far."
Jordan and Larre are part of Troop 1357, a troop for scouts who don't let their challenges in life stop them from participating in Scouting.
I almost started crying. It was actually really emotional. I'm impressed I got this far.
–Eagle Scout Jared Allen
"It's neat to see the Boy Scouts of America allow special needs kids to be able to earn the Eagle award," said Troop 1357 scoutmaster Mike Stanfield.
A year ago, KSL was there as Larre and Jordan finished their Eagle Service project: collecting stuffed animals to help firefighters comfort young children who are hurt or scared.
Stanfield credited the scouts accomplishments to the love they have for others and their willingness to help — two examples of what it means to be an Eagle Scout.
"They actually love the true aspects of scouting," Stanfield said, "(and) because of their disability, it means more to them I think."
There are 12 special needs scout troops in the Salt Lake Valley. Our congratulations to Larre and Jordan — KSL is proud of their accomplishment and wishes them the best in the future.
