A 16-year-old Carson City member of Troop No. 16, charted by the Knights of Columbus, earned Boys Scouts of America’s highest rank.
Jake Dzyak, an honor roll student at Nevada Connections Academy, passed his board of review and became the nation’s newest Eagle Scout on Sept. 13.
Dzyak has served his troop as its Quartermaster, Wolf Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. He attended National Youth Leadership training, which he credits with helping him become a better leader in the organization. He has amassed 34 Merit Badges and has attended numerous summer camps including Camp Fleischmann in Chester, Calif.; Camp Wente in Ukiah, Calif.; and Camp John Mensinger in Sonora, Calif.
Dzyak supports fire prevention each year, donning the National Fire Protection Associations “Sparky the Fire Dog” costume at local events, including National Night Out. He’s a mentor to his brother, Nik, and other Scouts in Nik’s Den.
One of the requirements to become an Eagle Scout is to complete a service project, which requires the scout to plan, lead and review the project from start to finish.
Dzyak, who adopted two ex-racing greyhounds, chose to help bring awareness to the plight of Greyhounds that can no longer race and save more dogs through adoption. He worked with Nevada Greyhounds Unlimited to help with its largest fundraiser of the year.
The scout also received several letters of recommendation, including from State Assemblyman P.K. O’Neill, Director of Public Safety James Wright and State Fire Marshal Peter Mulvihill, who praised his dedication. All three are planning to attend Dzyak’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor Saturday, March 5 at the Governor’s Mansion.
Dzyak is working toward an honors diploma. He plans to attend the University of Nevada, Reno.