by Andrew Alonzo | aalonzo@claremont-courier.com

It’s not unusual for those in Boy Scouts of America Troop 407 to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest in all of scouting. Since 1962 the troop has had 132 Eagles. And, over the last five years, 23 have reached scouting’s plateau, including this year’s class of Kate Emmert, Jacob Watson, and Porter Wonacott.

The highlight of the December 28 Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony at Claremont United Church of Christ was arguably Kate’s promotion, as she is the first girl from Troop 407 to make it to Eagle.

“I’m really excited and I feel like it’s a really big accomplishment,” Kate said. “I mainly am just excited to help future generations see that it is possible and inspire them.”

(L-R) Troop 407’s Jacob Watson, Kate Emmert, and Porter Wonacott at last month’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony at Claremont United Church of Christ. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

Kate, 17,  joins her brother Jude Emmert in the exclusive club. He earned his Eagle Scout rank in 2020, and is credited by his sister for sparking her interest in scouting.

Kate was a Girl Scout as a child, but joined Troop 407 in 2019 when it began admitting girls.

“I feel like the gender barriers were mainly broken when girls were finally allowed to join scouts, and then, especially now that the first girl on this troop has been able to achieve this high rank, they can do anything in the troop,” Kate said. “I’m honestly really honored to be this first beacon and everything.”

From 2019 and through the COVID-19 pandemic, Kate not only worked through the necessary Eagle Scout requirements, but also formed strong friendships, including with her two new Eagle Scout cohorts Jacob Watson and Wonacott.

Jacob Watson and Wonacott, both 18, began their respective scouting experiences in Claremont Cub Scout Pack 408and eventually aged into Troop 407. Like all Eagle Scouts, the duo put in countless hours of effort to get there, culminating in their community projects last year.

Just 4% of scouts make it to Eagle Scout. The road begins with scout, then tenderfoot, second class, first class, star, life, and finally, eagle. Eagles must earn 21 merit badges, hold a leadership position in the troop for at least six months, and complete a community service Eagle Scout Project. They then must get letters of recommendation from local leaders and participate in an Eagle Scout board interview.

As reported in the Courier on March 29, 2024, Jacob Watson’s Eagle Scout Project saw him refurbish one-mile markers and fencing along the Thompson Creek Trail between Mills Avenue and Pomello Drive.

“I feel like I just really wanted to do something that actually like … could definitely leave an impact and definitely help out the community,” Jacob Watson said.

His father, Mark Watson, is scoutmaster for Troop 407. He was promoted to Eagle Scout in Troop 407 as well, in 1984.

“I’m happy that he chose this on his own to do it, because it wasn’t like we forced him,” Mark Watson said. “He chose to do this path, and that … meant a lot to me.”

Wonacott said he didn’t think he’d be able to reach the pinnacle of scouting. But he proved himself wrong.

For his Eagle Scout Project, Wonacott organized food drives at Sycamore Elementary, El Roble Intermediate, and Claremont High schools, and donated food to KidCare International, a nonprofit based at Granite Creek Community Church in Claremont. In July 2024, Wonacott and other scouts also distributed 13 crates of food to those in need.

Kate’s Eagle Scout Project involved spending months creating updated grave markers at Oak Park Cemetery, an idea pitched to her by city volunteer Larry Maass. Creating the marker molds took a significant amount of time, and installation took two days. The project not only resonated with her on an emotional level, but also allowed her to do something that would remain for years to come, she said.

The December ceremony was attended by friends, family, scouts and leaders of Troop 407, and by Claremont Mayor Corey Calaycay and Vice Mayor Jennifer Stark.

“Congratulations on your wonderful achievement and hard work over the last several years that have led you down this trail to Eagle,” Calaycay said. “We look forward to the many contributions you’re going to make in your respective careers and to our community in the future.”

Kate and Jacob Watson have their sights set on graduating from Claremont High School in the spring. Wonacott is poised to wrap his first year of study at California State University, Long Beach. All said they are eager to take on adult scouting leadership roles in the future.