Crestview sophomore Lucas Persing recently shared his Eagle Scout community project plans with Lisbon mayor Pete Wilson. Persing plans to install back-drop nets at the Crestview Soccer fields. (Photo courtesy of Pete Wilson)

COLUMBIANA — Crestview sophomore Lucas Persing has always taken the-sky-is-the-limit approach to life. In his most recent pursuit, Persing has set his sights on the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America — Eagle Scout.

“To me, becoming an Eagle Scout is a high honor that teaches life lessons about leadership and camaraderie that you cannot gain in school,” said Lucas. “Being a scout is a lifestyle that my entire family lives out. My parents live the Army values, the Scout law and foundation of faith and service to others resembles the type of lifestyle we want to live. My twin brother, Levi, is also starting his Eagle Project and my little brother, Lauchlin, crosses over to scouts from Cub Scouts in February.”

To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, a Boy Scout must fulfill several requirements, including earning at least 21 merit badges, demonstrating leadership, and completing a significant service project. Eagle Scouts can enter the military at an advanced pay grade of E-2 or E-3 and the distinction often stands out on resumes.

Lucas has chosen to install back-drop nets at the Crestview Soccer fields — utilized by soccer players from all area schools — for his community service project. The project is near and dear to his heart. Just like Boy Scouts, soccer is a part of Lucas’ roots and he has spent a decade playing on that grass.

“I chose the Crestview soccer fields as my project because they have been a part of my life since I was six,” Lucas said. “The fields are used for coed tri-county soccer youth. I remember when I played on the fields, soccer balls would get lost in the woods behind the field because there is no barrier behind the goal, and I wanted to do something about it.”

To complete the backstop project, Lucas needs to raise $6,000.

“People can help support my Eagle Scout Project by donating supplies or money,’ he said. “We are currently awaiting final funding for the netting systems that value $3,000 each.”

When speaking of his fundraising and project, Lucas also made sure to stress the benefits of being a scout. Scouting, he said, uses fun activities to teach valuable leadership and life skills. Scouts don’t just hear about leadership, they lead. They don’t just learn life skills, they use them. It also builds lifelong relationships.

“I strongly recommend that youth consider scouting because it has helped me and my family to become more mature, show leadership, work hard, and learn respect, while still having fun,” he said.

Lucas also made sure to give credit where credit is due when it comes to the help he has received along the way.

“I’ve been very lucky to have one of my past soccer coaches, Nate Railing, who is also a veteran, help guide me through my trail to Eagle,” Lucas said. “He is a living example of the Scout Law in his service to his community.”

Lucas is a life scout in New Waterford’s Troop 2022. Other than scouting and soccer, he participates in the marching band, wrestling, French Club, D&D Club and is in the accelerated English class.

Lucas also has a disability called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) that affects fine motor skills and presents itself at birth, but if you ask Lucas that’s the most unremarkable thing about him.

“I don’t let that stop me from doing things everybody else can do,” he said.

Or things others only dream about doing.

To help Lucas with his Eagle Scout project, cash donations can be made directly to the project’s Venmo account at Lucas Persing @SoccerNetsEagleProject. To donate supplies or for larger donations with advertisements, contact Lucas directly at (330) 770-9106.