How Kait Cook of Portage became the first female Eagle Scout in her troop. Scouting became co-ed in 2019.
On the lower level of the Portage Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, there are two well-polished plaques on the wall, honoring all the Eagle Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 287. The list goes back to 1957 and is full of names like Alex, Dalton, Ryan and Tyler. But the most recent addition to the plaque stands out: Kait Cook.
The 17-year-old is the first female in Troop 287 to achieve Eagle rank; she is also only the sixth female in the district, which includes Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties, to receive this ranking. Qualifying for the honor requires collecting 21 merit badges, many of which are difficult to attain (could you cook for your family every day for 90 days?).
Eagle Scouts must also demonstrate leadership in their troop and conceive and execute a community service project…