By CLAYTON PARK

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout - Boy Scouts' highest level - is a rare feat. That two brothers could receive that honor at the same time, well, that's practically unheard of. But that's exactly what Wedgwood residents Aaron Burkhalter, 18, and his brother Daniel, 17, recently did.

The brothers received their Eagle Scout badges and certificates in a ceremony held last month at Maple Leaf Lutheran Church in Meadowbrook - the place where the Burkhalters' Boy Scout Troop, Troop 326 led by Scout Master Bill Danner, has its meetings.

What makes Aaron and Daniel's accomplishment even more amazing is the fact that their older brother, Christopher, 21, received his Eagle Scout badge three years ago.

Not only that, but Aaron and Daniel have a younger brother, 12-year-old Ben, who is also a Boy Scout and already up to the rank of First Class.

Of course, the three brothers weren't the first in their family to receive Eagle Scout honors. Their grandfather, Father Allan Parker (the recently retired rector at Trinity Episcopal Church who now lives in Lake City), was also an Eagle Scout.

Their father, John Burkhalter, was also involved in Scouts, but admits "I didn't get as far. I made First Class and almost got Star!"

To become an Eagle Scout, one must first attain all the other ranks, and then earn 21 merit badges, lead a community service project, and then be interviewed by a review board, which asks candidates about such things as their religious and moral beliefs, school, leadership in the troop, extracurricular activities, career goals, "and just about everything but politics," explained the brothers.

Aaron's community service project was leading his troop in collecting art supplies to donate to the Sanctuary Art Center, a program run by several University District-area churches that ministers to street kids.

The Burkhalter brothers' mother, Edith Burkhalter, noted that Troop 326 was able to raise enough supplies to last the art center a full year. They also collected money to purchase plastic containers to be able to store the supplies.

Daniel's project also benefitted the art center. "We built two cabinets from kits and painted them so they'd have a place for the art supplies," he explained.

Thanks to the Burkhalter brothers' combined efforts, as well as that of Troop 326, the Sanctuary Art Center opened in February.