Jasen Williams achieves rank of Eagle Scout

BY

Jasen Williams II

Jasen Williams II, age 17, son of Jasen and Betty Williams of Canyon Lake, has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. Jasen was recognized for his accomplishment at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony on July 27, held at Lamb’s Fellowship in Lake Elsinore. The ceremony was attended by 65 people, including family, friends, fellow Scouts and fellow Eagle Scouts.

After fulfilling the rank and merit badge requirements, one of the last steps to Eagle is the Eagle Scout service project that benefits an organization or institution, usually in the local community. Jasen planned, developed and served as a leader to other volunteers for his service project, which assisted a local charitable organization, Jacob’s House of Temecula.

Only six percent of Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Photos by Betty Williams

Jacob’s House is a home where families and loved ones of those who are hospitalized because of traumatic illness or medical need can stay as guests. A four-bedroom facility located near the Temecula Valley Hospital, Jacob’s House assists families dealing with medical crises with support and a place to stay.

Because one of Jasen’s younger siblings was hospitalized for two weeks several years ago, Jasen appreciated the need that Jacob’s House fills. His service project was part of a larger scale beautification project at Jacob’s House and included repainting the pool house and children’s playhouse, repairing a fence, and clearing brush on the property.

When his service project was completed, Jasen then went through a Board of Review. The purpose of the review is to ensure not only that all requirements have been met, but also to check that a Scout’s attitude and life reflect the ideals of Scouting. The Eagle rank must be approved by the troop, the local District, and finally by the National Council. Only six percent of Boy Scouts achieve the Eagle Scout rank.

A high school senior and Canyon Lake native, Jasen started his Scouting career with Canyon Lake Cub Scout Pack 346. After earning Cub Scout’s highest award, the Arrow of Light, Jasen moved on to Boy Scouts and is currently in Boy Scout Troop 2157 at Lamb’s Fellowship in Lake Elsinore.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, which is the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouts, Jasen had to fulfill certain requirements in leadership, service, and outdoor skills. The ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle all require a level of proficiency in specific skills that are tested.

In addition to rank advancements, Jasen was required to earn 21 merit badges, of the 120 badges available, to qualify for Eagle Scout. Thirteen specific badges are required for Eagle: First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Environmental Science, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Camping, Cooking, Family Life, Emergency Preparedness and Hiking.

Jasen is looking forward to becoming a Teen Talk columnist for The Friday Flyer, joining new teen columnist Spencer Massicot. Jasen’s mother, Betty Williams, has been writing the Cook’s Corner column for The Friday Flyer since October 2009.