JEFFERSON CITY -- Sen. John Loudon, R-West St. Louis County, recently sponsored a Senate Resolution honoring Scott Placial, who attained the rank of Eagle Scout in a special ceremony on Feb. 2, at the St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Ballwin.

"Only 2 percent of the young men who join a Boy Scout troop earn the rank of Eagle Scout," said Sen. Loudon. "It's a rare few who have the discipline to dedicate themselves to such a challenging task."

Scott, who is the son of Steven and Cynthia Placial, Ballwin, is a member of Scout Troop 631 and has been involved in scouting since 1993. Sen. Loudon was also a member of Scout Troop 631.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement in Scouting, a Boy Scout must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service and outdoor skills.

While there are many options available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to advance through the ranks - Tenderfoot Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. To advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests, which are organized by requirements and merit badges.

"The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting, but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service," Sen. Loudon said. "The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years."

Scott participated in Junior Leader Training Camp, is an Ordeal member of the Arrow, and attended four summer camps at S-F Ranch, where he voyaged through the Boundary Waters, hiked the rugged terrain of Philmont Scout Ranch and obtained two Fifty Miler awards.

In addition to earning 28 Merit Badges, Scott completed his Eagle Project by designing, planning and supervising the construction of two safety islands and an equipment bin for flotation noodles to benefit disabled children and beginning swimmers of the aquatic department at the Chesterfield YMCA.

"Volunteerism is at the heart of all that makes this country great," said Sen. Loudon. "Included in the Eagle Scout Challenge is the responsibility to be of service, and Scott has shown that he has a strong sense of community involvement. Scott now joins an exclusive group that includes President Gerald Ford, former Sen. Bill Bradley, H. Ross Perot and director Steven Spielberg."