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A 17-year-old Sri Lankan American student, Sadali Costa, has made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan American female to earn the prestigious Eagle Scout rank, the highest honour awarded by Scouts America.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for the Sri Lankan community in the United States, as Costa joins a select group of young people who have attained this distinguished recognition.
One local Scout made history in late 2025 when she joined a group of over 2.5 million youth who have earned the Eagle Scout rank, the organization’s highest honor.
Sadali Costa, a 17-year-old incoming senior at Stow-Munroe Falls High School, is the first Sri Lankan American girl to receive the rank, as far as Scouting America can tell, said Patrick Scherer, CEO of Stow’s Great Trail Council.
She was among 169 Eagle Scout achievers from Medina, Summit, Portage, Trumbull and Mahoning counties in 2025, Scherer said.
Costa’s parents immigrated here from Sri Lanka in 2007.
She became a Cub Scout in 2018.
That year, the organization, formerly known as Boy Scouts of America, began allowing girls to join Cub Scouts, the program for younger children. The following year, Boy Scouts rebranded to Scouts BSA and began allowing girls to pursue Eagle Scout recognition.
In December 2025, Costa received the Eagle Scout rank, which only 4% of Scouts have earned, according to the Heart of America Council.
The rank requires a lengthy review process, with requirements including demonstrating understanding of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, earning 21 merit badges and serving in leadership positions.