Published September 15, 2005
CIVIC PRIDE
Scouting a way of life

Austin Doyle is continuing a family tradition by earning his Eagle Scout Award at age 17.

By Ani Amirkhanian, News-Press and Leader

Austin Doyle is continuing the Doyle family tradition of Scouting. The 17-year-old Clark Magnet High School senior recently earned the Eagle Scout Award, the highest honor in Boy Scouts.

"My two older brothers are in Boy Scouts, so I guess I wanted to follow in their footsteps," Austin, of Glendale, said.

Austin's brothers', Michael and Evan, both longtime Boy Scouts, earned their Eagle Scout rankings in previous years.

Their father, Dennis Doyle, a professor at Glendale Community College, earned his in 1967.

"Eagle Scout is a leader position, where you have to show you have leader qualities," said Austin, who joined Scouts through his church.

To earn his Eagle Scout Award, Austin had to earn 24 required merit badges and complete a service project.

Austin's service project consisted of building a garden for for the Sun Valley-based Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers & Native Plants, which promotes education and preservation of the state's native flora.

He renovated the garden area to give seedlings more space to mature and grow.

"This would benefit the Theodore Payne Foundation, as well as people who would buy the native plants for their home," Austin said.

Austin, whose two younger sisters are Girls Scouts, joined the Cub Scouts when he was 8 years old. At 11, he moved up to the rank of Boy Scout.

"I'm the proud papa," father Dennis Doyle said. "Austin, I think, got the most out of Scouting out of all his brothers."

In order to demonstrate his leadership skills, Austin worked at a camp in the High Sierras during his summer vacations as a lifeguard, and helped the younger Boy Scouts earn their waterfront merit badges.

"The kids looked up to me," Austin said. "I was like an authority figure, so that was pretty cool."

When Austin turns 18, he will no longer be a Scout, but will be eligible to be an assistant Scout master.

"It helps them become more independent," Dennis Doyle said. "They become leaders and gather useful skills. It builds character."

Austin plans to attend California Institute of the Arts to study computer science after high school.

"Once you are an Eagle, you are an Eagle for life," Austin said.