Ortega Eagle Scout a driven achiever

Posted on January 8, 2013 By Editor Junior Residents

Carrison Hager and Scoutmaster Craig Jones of BSA Troop #522

Carrison Hager holds a record, at least locally. The Eagle Scout with BSA Troop #522 at Ortega United Methodist Church has earned 129 merit badges, all that were possible at the time. Hager has been working on earning merit badges as soon as he became a Boy Scout at the end of the fifth grade.

Merit badges are earned by meeting the requirements as they are stated – no more and no less. Carrison reached out to a variety of organizations to help him achieve the goal of earning all. To earn his Welding badge he contacted the local Welders Union. For Insect Study, Hager worked with the University of Florida Extension Office. Scuba Diving, a relatively new merit badge and Carrison’s favorite, was earned by making dives at the chilly Blue Grotto and Rainbow Springs.

The Veterinary Medicine badge he earned while working with the San Juan Animal Hospital sparked an interest in animal care, as did the Medicine merit badge. Carrison hopes to become a pediatrician one day and is a senior at Stanton College Preparatory School where he plays Varsity football, Varsity lacrosse, will run track in the spring, is the treasurer of the Senior Men’s Club, and was selected by the faculty for Stanton’s Leadership Class. Hager also volunteers and is very active in his Youth Group at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Hager was recently awarded the $5,000 Boselli Award of Excellence Scholar-Athlete College Scholarship, which was presented at the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame Coaches Luncheon at the Prime Osborn Center on Dec. 31.

Carrison’s Eagle Scout rank was achieved at the very early age of 13 with a project of hosting a team of Scouts that planned and implemented the installation of whole new garden areas in both the front and the back of the Ortega Elementary School, as well as built several new sitting bench areas for the After-School Extended Day Program faculty and children.