TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR EDWARD JOHN RATLIFF III OF CLEMSON FOR HIS NOTEWORTHY ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM UPON ACHIEVING THE PRESTIGIOUS RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT, THE HIGHEST AWARD IN SCOUTING.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that Edward John Ratliff III of Troop 161 of the Blue Ridge Council successfully completed the rigorous requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout on April 17, 2018, requirements which are completed by only about five percent of Boy Scouts; and

Whereas, to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, a Boy Scout must demonstrate that he lives by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life; he must plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or his community; and he must earn a total of twenty-one merit badges, actively serve in a position of responsibility within his troop for six months, take part in a Scoutmaster conference, and successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review; and

Whereas, in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) program since first grade, Edward Ratliff became a Cub Scout in 2008 and graduated to the Boy Scouts in 2013. During his participation in the Boy Scouts, he earned thirty-three merit badges and camped more than sixty nights, trekked across Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico; paddled his way through the Northern Tier in Minnesota, catching and cleaning his dinner most nights; and sailed and snorkeled around the coral reefs at Sea Base in the Florida Keys; and

Whereas, for his service project, he successfully completed the installation of a water line for his church's garden, added mulch to the garden beds, extended the Nature Trail by one-fourth mile, and added signage to the trail; and

Whereas, actively involved in scouting's honor society, Order of the Arrow, Edward serves as the vice chief of communications for Atta Kula Kula Lodge #185, and he is employed as a lifeguard and waterfront counselor at BSA Camp Old Indian in the summers; and

Whereas, a junior at Daniel High School, he excels in rigorous academic courses, plays a defensive position on the boys' varsity soccer team, plays in the school's concert band, and was selected for the South Carolina Region #I Alternate Band. He hopes to study engineering in college, become an engineer, and serve in the military; and

Whereas, the son of Karen Rasbornik and Edward John Ratliff, Jr., Edward is involved in his church, volunteering with the Children's Ministry by leading a group of fourth- and fifth-grade boys in activities and prayer on Sundays; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the legacy of Scouting in America and take great pride in acknowledging the accomplishments of young South Carolinians like Edward John Ratliff III who selflessly give of their time, talents, and energy to enrich their local communities and our State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Edward John Ratliff III of Clemson for his noteworthy achievements in the Boy Scouts of America and congratulate him upon achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest award in Scouting.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Edward John Ratliff III.