Jacobs High senior earns Eagle Scout status

Boy Scout Troop 2 of Elgin recently recognized Travis St. Amand of Carpentersville as a recent recipient of the highest award in Scouting, the rank of Eagle Scout. Troop 2 is chartered by St. John's Lutheran Church in Elgin.

In order to achieve the Eagle Scout rank, each young man must complete at least 21 merit badges and have planned, developed and given leadership to others in a service project that benefits his church, school or community. Only 4 percent of Scouts attain the Eagle Scout rank.

As a Scout, St. Amand earned 26 merit badges, including one of his favorites, Small Boat Sailing. Travis also achieved the high honor of Order of the Arrow, and in Troop 2 a special honor of Polar Bear, where he had to sleep outside through the night in extreme weather.

St. Amand had been able to attend many different campouts with Troop 2. As a Life Scout, he participated in the High Adventure to Isle Royal in Minnesota and hiked 33 miles.

St. Amand chose as his Eagle project to assist Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation in East Dundee with the restoration and creation of three outdoor learning centers.

He organized Scouts and adults in a two-day project to rebuild fire pits, construct three picnic tables, remove brush and debris and replant trees and shrubs. These new outdoor classrooms will be used by schools and McGraw's education department to teach children about the preservation of nature and wildlife.

St. Amand is currently a senior at Jacobs High School and will graduate in spring 2010. He has enjoyed his Scouting career, especially the camping and being outdoors. He feels Scouting has given him "some great challenges and learning experiences to carry me through life."