Cornerstone Senior Forges Ahead

When dedication meets vision, remarkable things happen. At Cornerstone, a senior with a passion for leadership has turned a dream into reality by forging future growth. His journey through community service and personal growth has not only shaped his character but also allowed him to leave a lasting legacy at our school.

A Scouting Journey Forged In Perseverance

This journey began in 4th grade when Jacob Inge first joined Cub Scouts, followed by the Boy Scouts of America in 5th grade. Over the next six and a half years, he worked tirelessly through seven ranks, earning 38 merit badges—well above the 21 required to reach the rank of Eagle. Along the way, he learned skills, leadership, and the importance of community service, ultimately culminating in his Eagle Scout project.

For the 4% of scouts who achieve the rank of Eagle, the road is long and often challenging. Our Cornerstone senior was no exception, earning the coveted rank just 10 days before his 18th birthday. His achievement was the result of years of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of Troop 687 in Dallas, GA.

Growing the Garden, Growing a Legacy

When Mrs. Baines, Cormerstone’s Farm2Fork teacher, shared her long-held vision for the school garden, it was clear that this was the perfect opportunity for the Eagle Scout project. Jacob’s mission: four custom welded trellises and build two raised beds to expand the garden’s capacity and create a richer learning environment for students.

On the first workday, the scout and his troop, along with fellow senior Bowen Giardina, worked together to build and level the beds. As the project progressed, the second workday was delayed due to the time required for forging, welding, and painting the trellises—no small feat for the young leader. In the end, his perseverance paid off. With the help of additional scouts and volunteers, the garden expansion was completed.

Harvesting the Fruits of Labor

This project was not just about building physical structures; it was about enriching the lives of Cornerstone students. By expanding the garden’s space, the school can now grow a wider variety of vegetables and herbs, offering students in the Farm2Fork elective a more hands-on experience. The trellises also allow for vertical growth, maximizing the space and making room for even more plants to thrive.

In total, the project took 96 hours—35 spent on planning, gathering materials, raising funds, and organizing volunteers. The remaining 60 hours were devoted to the forging, welding, and painting of the trellises. The hardest part of the project? Learning to lead—stepping back from doing all the work himself and guiding others to bring the vision to life.

An Eagle's Reflection

As the final piece of his Eagle journey, this garden project represents more than just an achievement; it’s a lasting contribution to his school and a testament to the power of hard work, vision, and leadership.
“I have worked for just over six years to become an Eagle Scout. It was one of my main goals and my biggest achievement to date,” Jacob reflects. 

His legacy will continue to grow at Cornerstone, just like the plants now thriving in the expanded school garden.
 

As Jacob has demonstrated, when you sow the seeds of hard work, dedication, and leadership, the rewards can far exceed the initial effort! Let his journey inspire you to seize opportunities to create a lasting impact in your community. For an opportunity to make an impact right here in our community, Club Med is currently accepting donations to create activity kits for young patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, as well as to express appreciation for the incredible staff at CHOA. Click here for the suggested donation list. Club Med will be collecting donations during carline, and a drop-off box will be available in the front lobby until Friday, October 18. Take this chance to step up, make a difference, and witness how your contributions can transform the lives of others.