The Rockvale High School student was named the American Legion Department of Tennessee 2022 Eagle Scout of the Year. Ernest Schmidt, department Boy Scout chairman, presented Taylor with the winning phone call for the $3,000 college scholarship. It will be presented at the Legion’s Tennessee convention in Franklin on July 2.

As the Tennessee state winner, Taylor won the opportunity to compete in the national American Legion Eagle Scout award competition that comes with a $10,000 college scholarship.

To be eligible for the competition, Eagle Scouts must meet the following criteria: be active in their religious institution, earned the Boy Scout religious emblem for their faith, and demonstrate practical citizenship in their church, school, Scouting and the community.

In addition, candidates must be a registered, active member of a Scout troop or Venturing crew, and be the son or daughter, or grandson of a Legionnaire, Sons of The American Legion or American Legion Auxiliary member. Taylor is the daughter of Mindy and Marvin Bell; Marvin is a member of American Legion Post 141 in Murfreesboro.

Taylor received her Eagle Scout rank on Feb. 8, 2021, as a member of Scouts BSA Troop 2019 and Crew 197, chartered by the Trinity United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro. For her Eagle Scout project, she designed and built a K-9 obstacle course for the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office.

Taylor’s Troop 2019 is a Member of Trail of Tears District in Middle Tennessee Council. She is also the membership chairman for the Wa-Hi-Nasa Order of the Arrow Lodge

For those who would like to enter the American Legion Eagle Scout Competition, you can download the application off the Department of Tennessee website, or contact the Scouting Chair at (931) 624-8564 or email Eaglewarr7@yahoo.com. All are welcome. Find your local American Legion post and have them sponsor you.

Ernest A. Schmidt
2nd Vice Commander
American Legion CSM Gary W. Crisp Post 289
American Legion Department of Tennessee
Scouting Chairman