Student Spotlight - Tyler and Zackary Murphy

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is rare, and when two brothers achieve the same distinction in the same year, it’s even more so. But that’s just what brothers Tyler and Zackary Murphy (both Plymouth Whitemarsh High School students) have done. 

Tyler and Zackary were celebrated this past November for earning the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank. The path to becoming an Eagle Scout involves many years of working up the ranks and earning 21 merit badges, as well as the completion of a community service project. Both brothers decided to give back to the Greater Plymouth Community Center, where they had noticed the deteriorating conditions of the shed by the bocce courts and the picnic tables. 

The brothers were responsible for collecting the materials needed for their projects, recruiting volunteers, and leading volunteers through the various projects. Tyler, a 12th-grader, helped coordinate the painting of the shed. Zackary, an 11th-grader, led the effort to sand and paint the picnic tables, which had acquired many layers of paint over the years. Zackary said he decided to pursue this project because the community center has been part of his childhood. 

“I wanted to add to a place where I grew up,” he said.

The brothers even went so far as to get donated food from Chick Fil A to feed the volunteers while they worked. They also took on the responsibility of installing a Little Free Library at the center. Little Free Libraries usually consist of a cabinet that is mounted on a post, and they serve as a place where people can leave gently used books for others to take home and read. Tyler said he chose to install the library because he wants to encourage others to read.

“The more you read, the more you learn, the more kind you are, and the more competent you are,” he said.

Tyler periodically checks to see what books have been left at the library and was excited to find a copy of Dracula that he took home. While there haven’t been many donations yet, he is hopeful he’ll see more in the future and that he has dedicated himself to checking the library every so often.

“It’s kind of like my child,” he said.

Following the completion of their projects, the brothers were lauded for their efforts through an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony in November. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean also ordered that a flag be flown over the White House in each scout’s name. In addition, the students received letters of recognition from President Joe Biden, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Gov. Josh Shapiro, state Sen. Maria Collett, Commander Alexander Armatas of the U.S. Navy, NASA, Colonel Michael Farrell of the United States Marine Corps, and former NASA engineer Mark Rober.

“I was very surprised at the recognition I got and to see how people thought of me,” said Zackary. “I was really proud.”

The brothers have been scouts since they were in first grade, and have stuck with the organization into their high school years because of its many benefits. They both said they use many of the skills and lessons they have learned through scouting inside and outside of school.

Tyler hosts a podcast about “Star Wars” and is an avid reader of comic books, graphic novels, and any material related to 3-D modeling (computer graphics). Zackary is a member of the high school’s Film Production Club. 

Tyler and Zackary expressed some disappointment that few young people seem interested in scouting and that not many stick with scouting long enough to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Now that they are both in leadership roles and can influence younger scouts, they hope they can serve as an inspiration to others. 

“It’s not easy,” said Tyler. “It takes a lot of determination.”

Zackary said whereas school teaches young people about subject areas, scouting has taught him more about “leadership, survival skills, and good morals” and has also encouraged him to become more independent. 

“The things you learn in scouting you cannot learn anywhere else,” said Zackary, who fondly recalled participating in the Klondike Derby, which is a sled race. “There are so many crazy, fun experiences you get.”