A 'Force' to be reckoned with

For Boy Scouts, the ultimate goal is the rank of Eagle Scout -- a rank you take with you proudly into adulthood. Jacob Force, a junior at Wasilla High School, knows firsthand how hard it is to reach the ultimate goal in Scouting.

Force, who is a Scout in Troop 325 in Palmer, recently attained the Eagle Scout rank after nine years in Scouting. His Eagle Scout project was the construction of a regulation sand volleyball court at First Presbyterian Church, where he is a member.

"The fund-raising took about a month and a half, and I wrote letters to businesses trying to raise the money," Force explained.

Once he had the nearly $4,000 in place, he spent about a month constructing the court. The idea for the Eagle Scout project came after discussions with his minister.

"He said he really would like to see more recreational opportunities for people, and I noticed the big area that wasn't being used and thought I could do something about it," Force said.

During his Scouting career, Force has been very busy. He started in second grade, and as a Boy Scout, he has earned 24 merit badges as well a a 100-below badge for winter camping. He participated in eight food drives, and has performed countless hours of community service.

Force has been Okpik (cold weather survival) trained, canoed more than 500 miles and has bicycled more than 200 miles while hiking and climbing. He also attended the Canadian International and Seward National Boy Scout jamborees.

Force has been doing something for others for a long time. Last summer, he was part of a team of young people from the church who traveled to Mexico to help with construction of several church-related projects.

"We were there 10 days and we helped build things like the minister's house," Force explained. "It was a lot of fun."

When he's not excelling in Scouts, Force is excelling in the classroom at Wasilla High School. The junior is enrolled in several advanced placement and honors courses. He also participates in the downhill skiing program through community schools.

Force said he isn't quite sure what the future holds, but he's pretty confident it will include college.

"I know I'm going to be active in Scouts as long as I can be, but other than that, I'm not really sure about what I'm going to be doing," Force said.

Force is the son of Hal and Jodee Force.