As he gets ready to graduate high school, Jason Own is also preparing to be honored as an Eagle Scout in June. (Courtesy photo)

Next month, 10 years of work will pay off for Benicia High School senior Jason Own. On June 23, Own will be awarded the status of Eagle Scout and achieve one of his lifelong dreams.

Own, 17, was born in Vallejo. He was enrolled in Boy Scouts in the third grade after his mother signed him up for the program, believing it would help her son make friends. He stuck with the Boy Scouts through the years because of the impact it had in his life. He joined Troop 7064, which is chartered by First United Methodist Church in Vallejo, six years ago. In his troop, he has served as patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, scribe, instructor and quartermaster. Additionally, he volunteered as a Cub Scout camp counselor for two summers and was a member of the Order of the Arrow, a national Boy Scouts honor society.

Own said the Boy Scouts have created new experiences for him, given him guidance from role models and fostered curiosity through the natural events the program provides. According to Own, being a member or the Boy Scouts increased his sense of empathy.

Now, Own is on track to becoming an Eagle Scout, the highest rank a scout can receive. They attain the rank through serving as a Life Scout for at least six months, earning a minimum of 21 merit badges, serving as a leader in his troop and taking part in a large community service project.

For his Eagle project, Own designed and built three storage units for the John F. Cunningham Aquatic Complex in Vallejo. The storage units will provide space for 18 swimmers to store their belongings, all while getting rid of clutter and potential trip hazards. Own led 12 Scouts and adults in this project.

“It was very rewarding,” Own said of being awarded the Eagle Scout status. “Every since I been that has been the end goal to become an Eagle Scout.”

For Own, his favorite thing about being a boy scout was the chance to grow his leadership skills through national leadership training and leadership positions within his troops. Own said the Boy Scouts helped train him for other leadership opportunities and how to take on problems in his life.

Own moved to Benicia this year. He attended private school while in Vallejo and transferred to Benicia High during his freshman year. It was a bit of a culture shock going from small private school classes to large public classrooms, but once Own was at Benicia High, he felt right at home.

“It definitely prepared me for college,” he said.

After graduating next week, Own will attend Yale University in the fall. Ever since he was a young child, Own has worked toward attending an Ivy league school. One of Own’s role models, his cousin who attends Yale, helped him decided on the prestigious college. While at Yale, Own plans on studying molecular, cellular and developmental biology with a possible minor in marine biology. Own hopes to become a humanitarian doctor and travel the world helping people.

While at Yale, Own will not be able to attend Boy Scout meetings, but he will leave his number to his troop. Own says he wants to be an eagle coach and help other boys become Eagle Scouts themselves.

Own will be honored in a ceremony at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 23 at the First United Methodist Church, located at 502 Virginia St.

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