Rory Boes joined an elite brotherhood.

On Saturday afternoon, the Oxford High School senior formally became an Eagle Scout during a Court of Honor ceremony held at Christ the King Church on W. Drahner Rd.

“It’s the biggest accomplishment of my life so far,” Boes said. “It means the world to me.”

Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting. Since 1912, more than two million Boy Scouts have earned it. Of any 100 boys who become scouts, only five will reach Eagle rank.

Boes began scouting as a first-grader at Lakeville Elementary when he joined Tiger Cubs. Since then, he’s enjoyed every minute of the experience, from his days with Cub Scout Pack 4 to the seven years he’s spent at part of Boy Scout Troop 366.

“It was fun for me the entire way through,” he said. “There were always fun activities to do.”

Boes particularly enjoyed the monthly camp-outs because they gave him an opportunity to teach things to younger scouts.

Along the way, Boes said he learned many practical skills such as how to tie knots, start a fire and pitch a tent.

But he also learned what it means to be trustworthy, loyal, respectful and true to his word.

For Boes, earning the Eagle rank is the culmination of a long journey that’s been filled with hard work and commitment.

“I’m excited that I finally made it,” he said.

To attain the Eagle rank, a scout must serve six months in a troop leadership position; earn at least 21 out of the 120 merit badges available in a variety of areas; and successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review process.

A scout must also plan, develop and serve as leader in a service project that helps a religious organization, school or community.

For his project, Boes, who’s earned 31 merit badges, built a 25-foot-long stone pathway for Christ the King, the church he attends. He installed it last year and created a little garden by it to enhance the overall aesthetics of the area.

Looking back, Boes is thankful to his parents, Paul and Victoria, for constantly encouraging him to “stick with” scouting and finish what he started. “They kept me on track,” he said. “They always pushed me to continue.”

Outside of scouting, Boes is involved with both the OHS robotics team and auto club.

He hopes to attend the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, Ohio. There, he wants to learn all about high-performance engines in order to possibly pursue a career in the racing world. Boes could see himself working as part of a NASCAR pit crew or building engines for Top Fuel dragsters.

He strongly encourages other young men to enter the world of scouting and reap the benefits.

“It can change your life and keep you on the right path,” Boes said.