Miley Knowlton Became First Female Eagle Scout

A 17-year-old Marietta High School student earned the top rank within Troop 203.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Secondary Education

Gouache-painted illustration of a metallic scouting emblem and pine branch on wood, evoking the achievement of community service and outdoor rank. — Miley Knowlton, a 17-year-old student at Marietta High School, has earned the Eagle Scout rank after completing a community service project. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Miley Knowlton has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, becoming the first female scout to do so for Troop 203 in Marietta. The 17-year-old completed her service project by building a custom storage unit for the school's hand bell choir.

Why it matters

Earning Eagle Scout status is a major milestone for young scouts, reflecting years of dedication and community service. Knowlton has balanced this scouting commitment with participation in the National Honor Society, the school color guard, and the theatre department.

Knowlton, 17, has been active in scouting since fifth grade. She successfully managed the acquisition of all necessary donations and construction materials to complete her hand bell storage project at Marietta High School.

The players

Miley Knowlton

She is a 17-year-old student at Marietta High School who is involved in the school's theatre department and color guard.

Troop 203

This is the local scouting organization where Knowlton achieved her rank.

National Honor Society

This is an organization recognizing student achievement in which Knowlton is an active member.

The details

To earn her rank, Knowlton organized the collection of supplies and donations to build a permanent storage solution for the Marietta High School bell choir. Beyond her work in Troop 203, she remains an active member of the National Honor Society and the school color guard.

Knowlton joined the Scouts of America starting in fifth grade.
She has been a member of the Marietta High School Theatre Department since seventh grade.
The National Honor Society will begin a costume donation drive on October 1.
Knowlton is scheduled to graduate from Marietta High School in spring 2027.

Culture Shift

The inclusion of girls in scouting programs marks a significant evolution in traditional youth leadership organizations. Knowlton's achievement mirrors a broader societal trend toward increasing access and gender parity in extracurricular and developmental youth programs.

For residents in Marietta, this news highlights local student accomplishments and community involvement. Families interested in similar programs can look toward the local school calendar, such as the National Honor Society's upcoming costume drive, to get involved.

The takeaway

Knowlton's success underscores the importance of balancing demanding scouting requirements with long-term academic and artistic goals. Her path demonstrates how students can leverage community service projects to solve real-world problems within their own schools.