Kayla Chow, 19, has recently become the first female Eagle Scout in Queens. Born in Fresh Meadows, Chow was congratulated on Tuesday, July 12 by U.S. Representative Grace Meng for her status, and her tremendous accomplishments, after her awards ceremony in late May.
“I am incredibly proud to congratulate my constituent Kayla Chow, and I commend her for this historic accomplishment,” said Meng in a press release on July 12. “She is an exceptional individual who through hard work, community service, and determination rose to reach this great milestone. I was honored to take part in her ceremony, and I know that she will serve as a wonderful role model and inspiration to other female scouts in our borough and across New York City. I wish her all the best for a bright and successful future.”
Chow is a founding member of Scouts BSA’s Female Troop 253 in Flushing. This unit launched in 2019 — the year that the Boy Scouts of America began allowing girls throughout the country to join the program. From that point onward, the flagship Boy Scouts program was renamed Scouts BSA.
Becoming an Eagle Scout is the highest achievement attainable in Scouts BSA. Chow officially began an Eagle Scout in April 2021, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the “Court of Honor” ceremony, was postponed until May 2022.
“Being the first female Eagle Scout in Queens is a huge honor,” said Kayla Chow in a press release from Meng. “I am extremely proud to have earned this accomplishment and I thank Congresswoman Meng for being part of it. I encourage younger scouts or anyone who wants to join Scouts BSA, to go for the highest rank that they can possibly achieve, and of course, it would be great to strive to become an Eagle Scout. Always do your best, don’t get discouraged, and have fun along the way.”
Chow has earned 26 merit badges as of press time, which are awards given to scouts for increasing their knowledge and abilities in a certain area of studies such as cooking, rowing, or camping.
An honors graduate of Benjamin Cardozo High School’s Da Vinci Program in BioMedical, Chow is now entering her sophomore year at City College of New York with a full scholarship, with hopes to major in Architecture.
Chow currently serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Female Troop 253.
