Smyrna Teen Earns Eagle Scout Rank, Will Be Recognized In March

SMYRNA, GA — Earlier this month, a Smyrna teen earned the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts of America offers: the Eagle Scout rank.

Aidan Dirr, 17, of Smyrna, will be recognized for his achievement in ceremonies at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in March, his father James said in an email. A member of Log Cabin Church, Troop 1, Dirr is one of roughly 4 percent of all Scouts who earn the Eagle rank.

Each Eagle Scout candidate has to earn 21 merit badges and successfully complete a community, church or synagogue-related service project. Aidan chose to create and install a link chain barrier for his school, Holy Spirit Preparatory High School, James Dirr said.

Aidan served as assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, quartermaster, assistant quartermaster and honor guard, and successfully completed Boy Scouts of America's National Youth Leadership Training. In addition, Aidan was awarded various Catholic Scout emblems.

Aidan joins the ranks of other Eagle Scouts such as former President Gerald Ford Jr.; astronaut Neil Armstrong; Francis J. Parater, Catholic seminarian nominated for sainthood; Charles Edward McGee, one of the last living members of the Tuskegee Airmen; and the former head of the FBI William Sessions.

Aidan Dirr is also a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church and is active in football, art honor society and Delta Omega service fraternity at his high school.