Zach Graham

Eagle Spotlight: Zach Graham

Meet Zach. Zach earned his Eagle rank at age 15 from Troop 10 in Redwood City and plans to pursue some form of STEM or business major.

To me, being an Eagle Scout means that I am always prepared and ready for what life is going to throw at me. Being prepared means that you have the skills and knowledge to react and act in a situation, how slow or fast that may be.

About Zach's

Plans beyond high school

Beyond high school, I plan on pursuing some form of STEM or business major that will lead me into the career that will motivate me and allow me to employ the techniques and experience I have gained as a leader through the Boy Scouts of America program.

Tell us a little bit about you . . .

My name is Zach and I am a 15-year-old Eagle Scout from Redwood City California. I have served in my troop for many years; however, I believe I am best known for my roles in the Order of the Arrow. I have previously served as the Vice Chief of Inductions and Unit Visitations Chairman, and am currently serving as the Lodge Chief of Pacific Skyline Council’s Ohlone Lodge. Being active in the Order of the Arrow has given me the ability to participate in a plethora of experiences that would not be possible without the dedicated leaders from the council and the Lodge. If anyone wants to step up their Scouting experience I highly recommend joining the Order of the Arrow and becoming active in the Lodge.

When and where did you earn your Eagle Scout rank?

I achieved my Eagle Scout rank while I was serving as a Counselor in Training at Pacific Skyline Council’s Boulder Creek Scout Reservation summer camp in 2021. I had the privilege to participate in my Eagle Scout board of review at the camp in the Trading Post and the rest of the staff had a plentiful array of barbecued food available when I completed the board of review.

What did you do for your Eagle Project?

For my Eagle Project, I created an outdoor learning center at a school in San Bruno complete with walkways, seating areas, and teaching areas. We also placed weed-preventing tan bark around the area to provide longevity for the area.

Did you have a favorite merit badge(s)? Did any merit badges lead to a hobby or profession?

The Personal Management merit badge is my favorite merit badge and has led me to an interest in economics and business. The Cycling merit badge has also propelled my hobby of mountain biking, leading to a distinct interest in fast riding and large jumps.

What does being an Eagle Scout mean to you?

To me, being an Eagle Scout means that I am always prepared and ready for what life is going to throw at me. I was asked how I was prepared for the Covid-19 Pandemic during my Eagle Scout board of review and that created an interesting scenario; however, in life, being prepared doesn’t mean that you have all of the answers. Being prepared means that you have the skills and knowledge to react and act in a situation, how slow or fast that may be. While being prepared you are still going to learn a lot of new things that will ultimately help you in the future.

What is the greatest personal asset you developed while earning your Eagle Scout rank, or from being an Eagle in the greater community? How has this asset contributed to your personal fulfillment and success in your personal or professional life?

While working towards my Eagle Scout rank in the BSA community I have developed a leadership ability that I am very proud of. From planning large events to becoming the head of the Ohlone Lodge, I have developed the skills necessary to become a leader whenever necessary in any fashion required. These experiences have given me personal fulfillment and skills that I will need to enter the professional world.

Do you have any advice for your fellow Eagles, or for those working toward becoming an Eagle? Or is there common advice that you think should be ignored?

A lot of people subscribe to the idea that you need to slow down and enjoy the ride; however, I disagree with that statement. Life is a journey and you shouldn’t let anybody tell you how to live that journey. If you have motivation and drive don’t let it die out, use it how you see fit and don’t let someone else waste it for you.

If you could add a thirteenth point to the Scout Law, what would it be?

If I could add a thirteenth point to the Scout Law I would add determined. I believe a Scout should be motivated to find what they enjoy and to help others. If you don’t put a car in drive it cannot move forward, likewise if somebody does not have any drive they will not move forward.