Student Standout: Clear Spring senior becomes Eagle Scout
Student Standout: Clear Spring senior becomes Eagle Scout
Jack Weber, a senior at Clear Spring High School, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He is a member of BSA Troop 117 in Clear Spring.
- Submitted photo
Jack Weber, a senior at Clear Spring High School, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout in BSA Troop 117 of Clear Spring.
- Submitted photo
Editor's Note
Student Standout is a weekly feature appearing each Monday and highlighting local students who are making extraordinary contributions to their school or community. To nominate a student, call 301-791-7591 or send an email to news@herald-mail.com.
Jack Weber, a senior at Clear Spring High School, has reached the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Boy Scouts of America.
Jack's Eagle Scout court of honor was held Aug. 8 in the pavilion at Clear Spring American Legion.
At 17 years old, Jack is in his last year of scouting. He will take the years of memories and experiences with him.
"My troop is really small, so I've really enjoyed how close we are," he said. "We're all a group of brothers, and we enjoy having fun."
Jack also is in the application process in hopes of attending the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. He hopes his years in scouting will be an asset.
"The Naval Academy and other military schools look for Eagle Scouts," he said. "They see a skilled and good leader."
Jack began his journey in scouting in 2009, when he joined Cub Scout Pack 117 of Clear Spring as a first-grader and Tiger Cub.
He went on to earn his Bobcat, Wolf, Bear and Webelo badges, along with earning the Arrow of Light, the highest award in Cub Scouts.
On May 13, 2014, Jack joined BSA Troop 117 of Clear Spring.
Since then, Jack has earned 29 merit badges, including the 21 specific badges required for Eagle Scout.
His badges include camping, first aid, swimming, aviation, citizenship in the nation, citizenship in the community, citizenship in the world, lifesaving, personal management, shotgun, geocaching, music, archery, electricity, leatherwork, photography, rifle shooting, kayaking, space exploration, pioneering, mammal study, environmental science, emergency preparedness, cooking, canoeing, personal fitness, communications, fingerprinting and family life.
Jack also has served as patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, quartermaster and troop guide.
Jack’s Eagle Scout project in May 2019 included planning and building an osprey nest platform at Blair’s Valley Lake in Clear Spring. The 30-inch-tall structure is to encourage nesting away from commercial electrical lines, telephone poles and cell towers.
It is designed to attract osprey — large fish-eating birds of prey with long narrow wings and a white underside and crown — to the natural habitat of Blair’s Valley Lake.
Academically, Jack is taking a full load of classes. He also is part of the ESSENCE (Early Support for Students ENtering College Education) program at Hagerstown Community College.
Athletically, Jack is part of Clear Spring High School's soccer team. He also runs indoor track.
As Jack navigates virtual distance learning at home, something he described as "kind of weird," he is setting his sights on the Naval Academy.
His dream is to either become a helicopter pilot or study biology.
"My dad was in the Navy, and I kind of want to go since he was in it," he said. "Also, I took a field trip there in the fourth grade, and walked around the campus, and fell in love with it.
"I also want to work on an aircraft carrier like my dad."
Jack is the son of Tom and Beth Weber. He has an older sister, Grace.
Sherry Greenfield covers the Washington County Board of Education and Washington County Public Schools and the town of Smithsburg. She can be reached at 301-791-6235 or by email at sgreenfield@herald-mail.com.
