The Boy Scouts of America’s Grand Canyon Council announced two girls from Paradise Valley have achieved the Eagle Scout rank — the highest honor awarded by BSA — and recently received highly competitive, national scholarships.

Grace O’Steen, a member of youth-led Paradise Valley Troop 3030, joined Scouts in 2019. She was selected as one of the few national recipients of the Air Force ROTC J1HSSP scholarship. O’Steen will receive four years of full tuition at any university, or crosstown partner, with an AFROTC detachment, a $10,000 per-year allowance for university-owned/on-campus housing, an annual book stipend and a monthly cadet stipend, according to a press release.

O’Steen credits her success to the experience she gained while working toward her Eagle Scout rank, her involvement in her high school’s Space Force Junior ROTC program and her own dedication.

“Being an Eagle Scout has helped prepare me for a lot of the challenges I’ve faced this year,” O’Steen said in the release. “New leadership positions in ROTC, thinking outside the box for my capstone projects, adapting to new challenges — all these required the skills I gained through my Eagle Scout journey.”

Alyse Silverman, a fellow member of Paradise Valley Troop 3030, participated in BSA’s core program Venturing for several years prior to joining Scouts BSA in 2019. She achieved her Eagle Scout rank in 2021 and has since been selected as the recipient for a National Eagle Scout Association scholarship, the Lawrence S. and Mabel Cooke Scholarship (National Service Territory 2), according to the release.

Silverman was chosen because of her leadership skills and ability to make the most of each Scouting event.

“Scouting has prepared me for life and has made me a better, more respectful person,” Silverman said in the release. “The experiences I’ve had and the connections I’ve made are immeasurable. I am grateful for the adults and fellow Scouts who have supported me throughout this journey.”

Silverman plans to use her scholarship to pursue a degree in special and elementary education at Northern Arizona University next fall while continuing to help mentor and support younger scouts.

“The Grand Canyon Council is proud of these young women who are the epitome of the Scout honor, service and determination,” stated Andy Price, CEO and Scout Executive of GCC. “We know they will excel in their future endeavors and continue to make a difference.”

Scouting in Arizona started with a handful of troops scattered across the state and over the last 100 years has grown to serve thousands of youth ranging from ages 5-20. To date, more than 30 young women have become Eagle Scouts in Arizona — a feat only 5% of Scouts achieve. The Eagle Scout rank is widely recognized throughout the United States as a hallmark of service, hard work and leadership.