First female Eagle Scout in the Gorge honored

HOOD RIVER — A momentous celebration took place Jan. 8 at the Hood River Valley Adult Center as Scout Troop 282 held its Eagle Court of Honor for Kelsey Jacobson, the 48th Eagle Scout from the troop and the first female Eagle Scout in the Mid-Columbia. Seats were full of people there to support Kelsey’s accomplishment, including many adult Eagle Scouts in the community, who had watched Kelsey grow from the beginning of her journey in scouting, which began a little bit later than usual because of COVID-19.

This ceremony honors the work, dedication, and time an Eagle scout has put into their Eagle project and their badges. One of the readings at the ceremony said, “Eagle Scout is not just a rank. It is a symbol of perseverance, responsibility and commitment to the ideals of scouting.”

Kelsey was especially commended for the speed at which she accomplished these tasks. Her brother, Cameron Jacobson, also an Eagle Scout, said, “She blew me out of the water.”

Her scoutmaster Jeff McCaw also remarked that he had never had a scout complete their Eagle board review as quickly as she did. “She was so well versed in how she answered their questions, it took virtually 25 minutes. I’ve not had anyone go through it that fast,” said McCaw, explaining it usually takes about an hour for the board to pull out the information they’re trying to get. “It was very impressive.” McCaw continued, saying that it was representative of how Kelsey had conducted herself her whole scouting career. “It’s been an honor to help and watch someone so motivated … She has a very bright future. She’s very driven.”

Kelsey spoke about her Eagle Scout service project. Over the course of two weekends, she repaired a trail bridge in the Bass Lake area which made a previously impassable trail available for recreation and included a wildlife protection grate that she had to wrangle over the entirety of the bridge. Kelsey began this project as soon as she was able last February, going through the permit and planning process. In total it took her 113 volunteer hours to complete.

Kelsey’s next goal is attening either the Air Force or Naval Academy — prestigious schools for which she needs nominations from senators to attend. However, each senator can only give between one and three nominations each year, which makes them very sought after. Thus far, Kelsey has secured nominations, from Sen. Ron Wyden, Sen. Jeff Merkley, and Rep. Maxine Dexter.

The most pressing question from her troop mates was whether Kelsey would still be helping them out even though she’s completed her scouting levels.

“Yes, absolutely,” Kelsey said. “Until I’m no longer in this town, I will be there every Monday.”