Perseverance and Purpose: Jackson Hayken’s Journey to Eagle Scout

by Conor Gillingham, Reston Letter Intern

Jackson's Eagle Scout project involved helping with K9 training. Photo by Greg Hayken.

Being a Boy Scout takes commitment, and earning the rank of Eagle Scout requires perseverance. For Jackson Hayken, a rising senior at St. Paul VI Catholic High School, that journey has been years in the making.

Hayken has been a member of Reston Boy Scouts since kindergarten and has spent countless hours volunteering and developing leadership skills in pursuit of scouting’s highest honor. One of his most notable accomplishments involved supporting the Fairfax County Police Department’s K9 unit. Last November, Hayken helped construct specialized decoy boxes designed to aid K9s in focusing on specific scents or tasks. He also installed commemorative plaques honoring K9 officers who died in the line of duty.

“That project started as something I needed to do,” Hayken said. “But as I got more involved, I developed a real passion for it. Making connections in the police department and working with the dogs was amazing.”

Projects like this one helped define what scouting means to Hayken. For him, it’s more than learning outdoor skills; it's about building character and making ethical decisions in the wider world.

“When you demonstrate the scout law, our words to live by, you become a very well-rounded citizen for your community and nation,” said Hayken.

Balancing academics with scouting has given Hayken a unique dual education. During the week, he focuses on schoolwork; on weekends, he heads into the wilderness with his troop for campouts, where he finds a different kind of challenge.

“Camping has become my favorite part of being in the troop,” he said. “It’s a break from the busy school schedule, and gives me a chance to take on something physical instead of sitting behind a desk.”

What Hayken enjoys isn’t relaxation; it’s the opportunity to push himself in new ways. Camping and hiking tested his stamina and adaptability. Earning his camping merit badge was one of his most challenging accomplishments.

“You have to log a ton of nights outdoors, and it takes a lot of work,” he explained. “It was the first merit badge I started, five years ago, and the last one I completed—just a month before becoming an Eagle Scout.”

That dedication has deep roots. Hayken followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, an Eagle Scout himself, who inspired him to stick with it. “My grandfather was always behind the scenes, motivating me to finish what I started and reach that final goal,” Hayken said. “He played a big part in helping me get there.”

Looking ahead, Hayken hopes to become an entrepreneur, applying the values of scouting in the business world. He sees it as the next opportunity to lead with integrity, perseverance, and purpose.

He also hopes his journey will inspire younger scouts to aim high.

“It’s all about not giving up,” he said. “Think of it as improving yourself and gaining a skill set that stays with you for life. That’s a huge lesson that shaped who I am today.”