Eagle Scouts are 72 percent more likely to have voted in the last presidential election than those without the highest Scouting badge. Eagle Scouts are also 56 percent more likely to have donated to a religious community in the past month, and they are 63 percent more likely to volunteer for a non-religious group.

These were only a few findings from the “Merit Beyond Badges: Eagle Scouts in Later Life” study by Baylor University that Flint River Scout Executive Chuck Brasfeild referenced Wednesday at the Kiwanis Club of Griffin meeting to illustrate the significance of being an Eagle Scout.

At that meeting, the Kiwanis Club and American Legion Post 15 honored the 14 Scouts in Spalding County who earned their Eagle Scout badge in 2011 — four of whom were present.

Matthew Jenkins (Troop 2), Austin Pirone (Troop 77), Joshua Norris (Troop 8), and Jeremy Scott (Troop 77) all received a Good Citizen Citation for their accomplishment.

“I’m very proud to be part of this program,” said Allan Imes, who is both a member of the Kiwanis Club and American Legion Post 15, adding that there’s one thing the Kiwanis Club and the Boy Scouts of America have in common. “Our emphasis is on youth.”

Kiwanis of Griffin Scouting Chairman Steve Trawick also pointed out the important role that the parents of Eagle Scouts play in supporting their children along the way.

“I don’t know who is more proud — the Eagle Scout or the parents of the Eagle Scout,” Trawick said.