By Aaron Justin Epstein, Los Altos Senior Scout of Troop 37, was recognized with an Eagle rank award at an Eagle Court of Honor April 28 at the Los Altos Youth Center. He joins only 2 percent of all scouts to ever reach the rank of Eagle. Requirements include exhibiting leadership skills, completing extensive community service as well as a special Eagle Scout Service Project and receiving a minimum of 21 merit badges.

The troop honored Epstein, a Los Altos Hills resident, with recognition gifts, including the Perpetual Eagle, held in trust by the newest Eagle Scout and passed on at the next Eagle Court.

Mayor King Lear presented Epstein with a proclamation from the City of Los Altos, naming the day in his honor. In addition, Epstein received numerous certificates and letters from senators, congressmen, former presidents and vice presidents, and an American flag that had been flown over the United States Capitol in his honor. At the April 19 Los Altos Hills City Council meeting, Epstein was presented with an official Proclamation of Commendation by the Town of Los Altos Hills.

For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Epstein planned, organized and executed the construction of 10 redwood lunch tables for the Los Altos School District. The task took Epstein’s task force of 22 scouts a total of 186 man-hours to complete. The tables are in use at Loyola, Springer and Egan schools, where they seat 100 students for lunch every day.