Newly-inducted Eagle Scout, Jacob Mann, is pictured here in his BSA uniform, wearing a tie slide originally worn by his great-uncle, Bill Mann, as a Cub Scout in the 1960s. Photo courtesy Jacob Mann.

It has been a long, long trail for Jacob Mann, starting on March 24, 2014, and finally concluding last Thursday, December 14, when he completed his Eagle Scout Board of Review.

"I am now an Eagle Scout!" Jacob said last week. It's been a busy week for him as he sent the email while on a bus on the way to Alabama, where he joined the EMU Eagles band at the Lending Tree Bowl.

On average, only 8% of all Boy Scouts advance to the rank of Eagle Scout. To do so, a Scout needs to advance through six other ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, Star Rank, and Life Rank, which all have different requirements. He also needs to complete 21 “Eagle Required” merit badges, such as Emergency Preparedness and Personal Finance, and finally, plan, prepare, complete a project which benefits your community, while showing leadership. Along his 2,822 day journey, Jacob has experienced summer camps, campouts, Coney Nites, a lot of merit badges, and many hours setting up and tearing down the Chicken Broil.

"Many people have encouraged me to keep going, even when my scouting experience got tough," he admits.

Jacob's project, in conjunction with the River Raisin Watershed Council, was placing emergency markers along the Manchester portion of the River Raisin. These markers are paired with coordinate points and addresses in case Emergency Medical Services need to access an emergency event on the river. Jacob, along with a crew of helpers and supporters, completed the installation of these signs, along the route of the Annual Manchester Canoe Race, on July 11.

"For property owners, these signs — and their installation — may be seen from their property, but will be in the riparian area within the floodplain, visible to canoers and kayakers," he explains. "These signs will be strategically placed on the floodplain banks of the river — with regards to the Michigan Historical Riparian Rights — stretching from Fellows Bridge to the Main Street Bridge."

Manchester’s Troop 426 has an excellent record of Eagle Scouts, starting back in 1967. Jacob expressed his deep gratitude to everyone that has encouraged and helped him over the last seven years.

"It has certainly helped me achieve this rank," he said. "I’d also like to thank my family for supporting me, through frustrating paperwork, planning, and carrying out my project, and for helping me get through the last couple months. I never thought I would make it, but with the help and support of others, you’ve made this Eagle Scout overwhelmed with support and well wishes!"