Paducah Tilghman High School junior Nathan Franklin recently achieved his Eagle Scout rank and was celebrated at an Eagle Court of Honor this past weekend. He was also presented with the Junior Duke of Paducah award from the City of Paducah.
Each year, only 6% of eligible Scouts world-wide become Eagle Scouts. The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest and most prestigious achievement a Scout can achieve. To attain the Eagle rank, a Scout must earn at least 21 merit badges, fulfill leadership roles, display outdoor skills, demonstrate by example the Scout Oath and Law, and complete a comprehensive service project in the community.
Nathan is a member of the Tilghman men’s acapella group, Prime Rib, Tilghman’s Concert Choir, and he performed in the school production of “Anastasia” his freshman year. He’s been selected for the KMEA All-State Choir every year since 5th grade. He plays trumpet for Tilghman’s Marching and Concert Bands and was selected for both the KMEA All District Band and Quad State Band. He also received the KMEA Distinguished Trumpet Trio award. A pianist since 1st grade, he was selected to participate in the MSU Sonatina Saturday freshman and sophomore years, the Racer Instrumental Music Academy as a sophomore, and the Kentucky Musician’s Abroad program for the summer of 2025. He was a Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts finalist his sophomore year. Nathan is employed by Culver’s and Market House Theatre. He’s a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, where he is an active member of the Youth Group and works with the church media team to livestream worship services.
Nathan began his scouting journey in 2014 as a Tiger Scout with Pack 2059, earning his Arrow of Light and bridging into Troop 1. He’s been very active in Troop 1, attending several summer camps at Camp Roy C. Manchester and Boxwell Scout Reservation. He has served his troop as Patrol Leader for several years, and as Quartermaster. He has earned 36 merit badges on the way to Eagle as well as Bronze, Gold, and Silver Palms.
For his Eagle Scout project, Nathan worked with the administration of McNabb Elementary School and led a group of Scouts to construct and install two Buddy Benches on the McNabb playground for students and families.
Nathan is a member of Scout Troop 1 which is part of the Lincoln Heritage Council and based at Grace Episcopal Church.
Nathan is the son of Tim and Katrina Franklin.