At just 13 years old, Sophia T. becomes Yuma County’s first female Eagle Scout, completing a 185-blanket service project and continuing a family legacy of leadership.
Sophia T. has not only earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout—she has made history as the first female in Yuma County to achieve the highest rank a youth member can earn in Scouting America.
She completed her Eagle project on January 1, passed her board of review on March 21, and will celebrate her achievement with a Court of Honor on May 12. With her accomplishment, Sophia follows in the footsteps of her three older brothers, who are all Eagle Scouts. “I figured if they can do it, I can too,” said Sophia
Sophia’s achievement said Rick Rademacher—a longtime Scout leader who now serves as a community coach and assistant coach for Venturing Crew 8051— “is great” and a powerful example of why the organization evolved into Scouting America. “Scouting is a proven program, and girls who want to participate in outdoor activities and camping should be welcome,” he said.
Sophia’s journey began at age 11 when her father suggested she join the newly formed girls’ unit of Troop 8051, established in October 2022 and chartered by Christ Lutheran Church, which also sponsors a boys’ unit. “I went to one meeting and decided I wanted to continue,” Sophia said, noting that she was one of the first girls to join. “I liked the outdoor skills, the subjects I could learn about, and I really liked the leader.”
When it came time to choose her Eagle Scout project, Sophia found inspiration online: cutting and tying fleece blankets for children in need. With the help of volunteers, she provided blankets for KIDS CuddleKit Closet, Amberly’s Place, and the State Department of Child Safety, which oversees Arizona’s foster care program.
“The project grew,” said Sophia. In total, she and her helpers made 185 fleece-tied blankets. “I had a lot of community help—other Scouts and church members—60 to 80 people in all.” Sophia hopes her project left a meaningful impact. “It provided support to people who needed it. My mom said a homemade blanket is like a hug.”
Although it’s an honor to be the first girl in Yuma County to earn the Eagle rank, Sophia said, “It’s not about being the first, but being my best. It’s about helping people, not getting the recognition.” Now 13, Sophia plans to remain active in Scouting, continuing to earn merit badges and expand her knowledge.
“Girls like Sophia are role models for girls in Scouting,” said Russ Jones, chairman and president of Scouting Arizona. “They can go as far forward as they want—they can get their Eagle, too. I believe this world needs these kinds of young leaders, both men and women, of good moral character and values. They are an incredible resource for our country, and we need to nurture them.”
