Three Bishop Union High School Juniors Achieve Eagle Scout Rank

Bishop, Calif. – Three juniors from Bishop Union High School, Kingston Gruwell, Hunter Dailey, and Wyatt Miears, have achieved Scouting’s highest rank, that of Eagle Scout. Members of Scouts BSA Troop 395 and the high school's Class of 2028, these young men were honored at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor held Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Neighborhood Church in Bishop. The prestigious recognition follows years of dedication, leadership, and community service.

Historically, only about four to five percent of Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout, making this achievement a significant milestone. To become an Eagle Scout, a young person must advance through seven ranks, earn at least 21 merit badges, serve in troop leadership positions, and plan and lead a significant community service project. The journey culminates with a final Eagle Scout board of review. Kingston, Hunter, and Wyatt now join a distinguished group of Eagle Scouts that includes notable figures such as astronaut Neil Armstrong, former President Gerald Ford, television personality Mike Rowe, and Walmart founder Sam Walton.

Kingston Gruwell earned his Eagle Scout rank on February 24, 2026. For his project, Kingston organized and led the Aspendell Firebreak and Brush Removal Project. This effort involved working with volunteers to clear flammable sagebrush and downed trees from a vacant lot, aiming to reduce wildfire risks for nearby homes. The project directly addressed an important local safety concern and demonstrated Kingston’s ability to plan, organize, and lead others. Throughout his Scouting career, Kingston earned 30 merit badges and an Eagle Scout Bronze Palm. His additional accomplishments include the Nova Award, the Paul Bunyan Woodsman Award, religious emblem recognition, the BSA World Conservation Award, the Angler Award, and the Snorkeling BSA Award.

Hunter Dailey achieved his Eagle Scout rank on August 4, 2026. Hunter's Eagle Scout project involved constructing and installing bat houses near water sources. These structures were designed to provide additional roosting opportunities for local bats, supporting wildlife conservation and recognizing the important role bats play in natural insect and mosquito control. Hunter coordinated the construction and placement of these bat houses, creating a lasting benefit for the local environment. During his Scouting career, Hunter earned 27 merit badges and an Eagle Scout Bronze Palm. He also completed National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT), one of Scouting’s premier youth leadership programs in the United States.

Wyatt Miears earned his Eagle Scout rank on June 24, 2026. Wyatt’s project, the Tanner Memorial Outdoor Improvement Project, was completed at the Bishop Mule Days headquarters in memory of his coach, Bobby Tanner. The project included building a memorial bench, improving the landscaping, removing weeds, constructing two planter boxes, and installing a birdhouse. These improvements established a welcoming outdoor area where visitors can sit and remember Tanner and his contributions to the community. Throughout his Scouting career, Wyatt earned 33 merit badges, along with the Eagle Scout Bronze Palm and Gold Palm. He also earned the Snorkeling BSA Award and completed National Youth Leadership Training, where he received the Yellow Pillowcase Award for leadership.

Family members, friends, Scout leaders, and community supporters gathered at Neighborhood Church to celebrate the three young men. During the ceremony, each Scout received his Eagle Scout medal from his mother and presented special recognition pins to his parents and a mentor who had influenced his Scouting journey. David Fulkerson, an Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 395, led the Eagle Scout Charge, guiding Kingston, Hunter, and Wyatt as they reaffirmed their commitment to the Scout Oath, Scout Law, leadership, and service. The three Scouts also read their Letters of Ambition, sharing their future goals and aspirations.

Troop 395 Scoutmaster Rich Miears, who led the ceremony, reflected on watching the boys grow through Scouting. He stated, "As their Scoutmaster, I couldn't be prouder of what they've accomplished." The ceremony concluded with a celebration among family and friends.

Kingston, Hunter, and Wyatt received congratulations and special recognitions from various organizations, businesses, government offices, and professional sports teams across the country. These included LEGO, First Lite, the National Park Service, the Denver Broncos, the Colorado Rockies, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Colorado Avalanche, Bishop Union High School, NASA, the Smithsonian Institution, the White House, and U.S. Congressman Kevin Kiley. The Scouts also received certificates of recognition from California State Assemblyman David Tangipa.

Locally, Inyo County Supervisor Jeff Griffith attended the Court of Honor in person to congratulate all three Eagle Scouts. The three Eagle Scouts are also scheduled to receive special recognition Monday, October 26, from the CEO of Northern Inyo Healthcare District. Later that evening on October 26, Kingston, Hunter, and Wyatt will be recognized by the mayor during the Bishop City Council meeting at City Hall. Troop 395 extended a heartfelt thank-you to Neighborhood Church in Bishop for generously hosting the Eagle Scout Court of Honor, noting their kindness and hospitality helped make the celebration a memorable occasion.

For Kingston Gruwell, Hunter Dailey, and Wyatt Miears, earning the Eagle Scout rank signifies the completion of a significant journey. Their respective projects have already made lasting contributions to the Eastern Sierra through wildfire prevention, wildlife conservation, and honoring a beloved local coach. As members of Bishop Union High School’s Class of 2028, these young men now join a distinguished brotherhood of Eagle Scouts, carrying the values of leadership, character, and service into adulthood. This rank, earned as young men, represents a responsibility and an honor they will carry for the rest of their lives.