The High Desert Council of Scouting America recognized 60 Scouts from New Mexico with the prestigious Eagle Scout rank during their annual banquets held on June 5. The events took place in Albuquerque and El Paso, bringing together Scouts and their families to celebrate this notable achievement.

The High Desert Council administers Scouting programs across most of New Mexico, as well as parts of southern Colorado and west Texas. The Eagle Scout rank represents the highest honor a Scout can attain within the organization. To reach this level, Scouts must earn 21 merit badges, demonstrate leadership skills, and complete a significant community service project. Only about 4% of Scouts nationwide achieve this distinction.

Among those honored was Liam Brown, a member of Albuquerque's Unit 3, who described the accomplishment as an affirmation of his capabilities and a sign of belonging to a special community. “It’s a really cool community that I’m now a part of,” Brown said.

In addition to rank advancements, several awards were presented to Eagle Scouts who distinguished themselves through leadership and service. Jared Trujillo from Santa Fe received the $1,000 Anderson Scholarship, an award granted to those who exemplify Scouting America’s core values. Trujillo earned the scholarship through his community service project, which involved renovating the youth room at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Church. The project, completed over two weeks, included planning, organizing volunteers, and physically refurbishing the space by cleaning, repainting, and reorganizing.

“It has been such a pleasure to serve my community and give back to the people who’ve given me the most,” Trujillo said, emphasizing that the project represented not only a résumé item but also a reflection of personal character development.

The 2026 Distinguished Eagle Scout Award was presented to Chris Sandberg, a member of the class of 1967, recognizing former Scouts who continue to apply the skills learned through Scouting to benefit their communities. Sandberg and other attendees underscored the enduring impact of the program.

Phillip Shipley, Council Service Territory 8 Director responsible for overseeing councils in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, southern Colorado, and New Mexico, emphasized the program’s life-preparation aspects. “Scouting will prepare you for life,” Shipley said. “It’s a place where you can experience both wins and losses; it’s a safe place for a child to fail, and learn a lesson.”

The High Desert Council’s recognition of these Scouts highlights both individual achievements and the broader mission of Scouting America to foster leadership, character, and community service among youth across the region.