29 Oct 2020 Scouting ahead: Conway student is first female Eagle Scout in Arkansas
by Stefanie Brazile
Current internet searches for the first female by state to earn the Boy Scouts of America’s highest achievement reveal happy photos of young ladies proudly wearing a uniform that, for 100 years, was reserved only for males. A Conway native made history in October after completing the rigorous requirements in 18 months and is proud to forever be part of the Eagle Scout family.
“For me it wasn’t really about the title,” Diana Ashley said.
“I wanted it before my 18th birthday and I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it and didn’t have to request a time extension. My brothers did that in their youth, so that’s why I did it.”
Scouting is a family affair for the Ashleys. Parents Lillian Elizabeth “Miss Liz” and Dennie Ashley have been Scout leaders for 18 and 22 years, respectively. They continue the commitment even though their youngest of four children has completed the most coveted rank. Their late son, Daniel, earned his Eagle in 2005 and son David earned it in 2016. Eldest daughter Denise Ashley Baughn is a psychiatrist who is completing her pediatric fellowship. When she was a teen, Denise earned the Wood Badge, which offered leadership training for adults.
“I’ve grown up in scouting my whole life,” Diana said with an easy smile. “I was a peanut at Cub Scouts, which is what it means if you have family in the program or if you’re too young, or (previously) if you’re a girl. Feb. 1, 2019, was the first day we could get involved. Whenever they announced it, I knew I wanted to.”
Three years ago, the scouting board of directors voted unanimously to make the historic change in an organization that has been primarily for boys since its founding. The first class of female Eagle Scouts is being recognized in October 2020, according to Boy Scouts of America.
Diana graduated from Conway High School in May and is a student at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro majoring in biology with a pre-professional emphasis. Ultimately, she plans to become a pediatrician. Of all the patches she has earned, the bright red circle with a contrasting white cross on it is her most favorite, representing her training in First Aid.
“It’s really cool to me to get to be a part of what my brothers were and so many others,” Diana said. “Not so much the political stuff — just to be a part of that family is really cool.”
She is in the Lightning Patrol in Troop 6071, which is affiliated with the male troop 71. They average five females and 10 males in the troop. She earned 42 badges, twice as many as were required. There are 12 Eagle-required merit badges, but she earned more because “why not?” Diana admitted to being a high achiever. Her uniform also bears a patch showing that she is a Spanish interpreter. Four years of Spanish in high school prepared helped her fulfill the requirements for that patch. She is also a member of the Order of the Arrow, which is the National Honor Society of the BSA and is composed of those who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives.
The young woman wanted to complete her Eagle required service project in Conway’s First Family Park Pavilion behind her church, Conway First Baptist. The park’s plaque reads: “Dedicated to the family of CFBC in loving memory of Daniel Ashley, Barbara Isom and Herb Stuart. Oct. 26, 2016.”
Church leaders requested a fire pit because they felt they could get a lot of use out of it, even with social distancing requirements. The paver stone pad around the pit measures 20 feet in diameter, allowing for a lot of people to enjoy the space. In early August, it was constructed on a former parking lot where grass didn’t grow.
Her uniform bears patches signifying various abilities and leadership roles, but she is proudest of her Eagle patch which belonged to her late brother, Daniel, who was in scouting from age 11 to 18. She’s earned it and wears it with great pride.
“Right now, with the Order of the Arrow (OA), I’m the Chapter Chief with the Foothills District,” Diana said. She is considered a youth in the OA until age 21 and then she can assume an adult leadership role. “On Monday nights we (the girls’ troop) meet through zoom and this week we’re gonna carve soap with knives and paperclips so I’m still pretty involved with that.
“For me, I’m just part of the family. I’ve never been part of a Girl Scout program so I can’t speak towards that aspect, but I love the skills that I learned and I can use them throughout my life and that’s something that you can’t get from sitting at home all day. It’s invaluable.”
To learn more about joining the program, contact the Quapaw Area Council at 501.664.4780.
