'You can do anything you put your mind to': Fairfax teens in 1st female Eagle Scouts class
The Hosken sisters helped launch Troop 1965, which is chartered by the Lake Braddock Community Association. (ABC7)
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (ABC7) — Jenny and Jessica Hosken grew up watching their brother Dennis become something they couldn't-- an Eagle Scout.
“I always wanted to be able to do it, but I didn’t think of it as a possibility because, at that point in time, it wasn’t open to females,” said Jenny.
But when that changed in 2018, the Hosken sisters helped launch Troop 1965, which is chartered by the Lake Braddock Community Association.
“You can do anything that you want to if you just believe you can,” said Jessica.
RELATED: Fairfax County student becomes one of first and youngest female Eagle Scouts in history
“I promise that you can do anything you put your mind to,” said Jenny.
Their friend Olivia Preston is also part of Troop 1965.
Preston followed in her father's footsteps because her father was also an Eagle Scout.
“It’s mind-blowing, said Preston. "I never thought I would get to do this.”
Sunday night, Boy Scouts of America recognized the inaugural class of female Eagles Scouts.
There are nearly 1,000 female Eagle Scouts across the country.
“I am feeling super accomplished. We all did so much hard work to get where we are," said Preston.
In less than two years, the three Eagle Scouts each earned more than 21 merit badges and completed their own eagle project; boat racks, a pavilion, and a mural at Lake Braddock Secondary School.
“I am so enormously proud of all of these girls. I mean, they have just worked so incredibly hard and shown so much determination,” said Scout Master Erica Hosken, who is also Jenny and Jessica's mom.
We wondered what she thinks about people who are not as excited to see this historic change.
“It is fine that everyone gets to have their own opinions, but I am so proud of Boy Scouts of America for making good choices and allowing everybody to be true leaders," said Erica Hosken.
All three teenagers intend to lead the way by blazing this trail and helping lift up other female Eagle Scouts for years to come.
“I am so honored to be able to light the way for future generations of female Eagle Scouts,” said Jenny.
“Looking forward to young girls looking up to us and hopefully empowering themselves,” said Jessica.
