For every 100 boys that join Boy Scouts, only two will ever reach the rank of Eagle Scout, according to Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 366 Rob Charlton.

Last Saturday, Trenton Sabo formally became one of those diligent few at a Court of Honor ceremony held at D-Bar-A Scout Ranch in Metamora.

For Sabo, a senior at Oxford High School, the event signified the culmination of a ten-year journey.

Sabo joined Cub Scouts in fall 2007, where he received his Arrow of Light before crossing over into Boy Scouts in March of 2010.

Sabo currently holds 37 merit badges and has held many leadership roles within his troop, including senior patrol leader and historian.

To reach Eagle Scout status, scouts must also plan, develop and serve as leader in a service project that helps a religious organization, school or community.

For his project, Sabo built two multi-sectional bat nurseries and installed them along the Polly Ann Trail in June. Each nursery can hold around 50 bats.

“I’ve always had a very deep and profound affection for nature and so that also reinforced the idea of me wanting to build the bat houses for the community of Oxford,” said Sabo.

According to Sabo, the project gave him insight into the discipline and responsibility required to carry out a project from start to finish.

“The project more than anything taught me… sort of the background work to projects that you don’t normally see. Like having to raise money and manage your finances, which is something you don’t usually learn until you’re an adult. (It) really allowed me to understand how to budget your money,” said Sabo.

During his scouting journey, Sabo also participated in many camping and hiking trips, including Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He attended National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) at Philmont twice, both in 2013 and 2015, where he hiked with his father and eight other scouts—experiences which he called “life-changing.”

Philmont Scout Ranch is the Boy Scouts of America’s largest national high adventure base. It features high mountains with rocky trails and elevations that range from 6,500 to 12,441 feet.

“More than anything, it really taught me how to deal with people in high-stake situations because you have to get to the next camp… It’s very high-tension, but it’s also a really enjoyable time. I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere else that’s allowed me to appreciate the world as much as Philmont,” said Sabo.