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Thursday, August 5, 2021

Altadena Resident Awarded Eagle Scout Honor

By KEITH CALAYAG

Altadena Town Council Chairman Billy Malone with freshly-minted Eagle Scout Cobhan Kale on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. (Courtesy photo)

Eagle Scout Cobhan Kale on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. (Courtesy photo)

When Cobhan Kale joined scouting in first grade, he never knew he would stay for years in the organization, thanks to the outdoor activities and backpacking which inspired him to continue.

“First, while I was in scouting, I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to do it or not.”

“I started to really enjoy going on backpacking trips. And it really gave me the confidence to keep going,” Kale told Pasadena Now.

Kale’s favorite experience throughout his journey — the 50-mile backpacking trek in the eastern High Sierras.

After over a decade of scouting, the Altadena resident, who just graduated from St. Francis High School, progressed through the ranks and finally reached the pinnacle of a Boy Scout’s career.

On Tuesday evening, Kale was officially recognized with the Boy Scouts of America’s highest honor during a ceremony held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Troop 1 Committee Chair Craig Snodgrass served as the master of ceremonies along with Senior Patrol Leader Jackson Brooks and presented the Eagle Scout awards to Kale on behalf of Scoutmaster Don Matsumoto.

Joining the hybrid awarding ceremony for Kale were his friends and family; Altadena Troop 1 Scoutmasters; and local dignitaries, including Altadena Town Council Chair Billy Malone.

Malone complimented Kale and welcomed him as a developing leader.

Matsumoto, for his part, lauded Kale, whom he described as quiet leader but a “great example” to others scouts, for staying in the organization even as some older scouts already left.

“He’s been our senior patrol leader, and took multiple turns. He’s been a great example for all of the younger Scouts. He stayed on when a lot of other older Scouts have left the troops,” Matsumoto said.

Throughout his career, Kale has earned at least 21 badges, including badges required for the Eagle Scout rank such as First Aid, Cooking, Emergency Preparedness, and Citizenship in the Community.

Even though he was hesitant at first in joining the Boy Scouts, Kale said he is thankful he stayed as he was able to learn skills and acquired valuable lessons he can carry throughout his life through the organization.

He will be heading to the University of Colorado Boulder to pursue a career in Computer Science and Finance.

He urged young people to try scouting, saying it is “very helpful to young people,” especially those “who are trying to figure out what they want to do.”

Kale also encouraged current and future scouts to embrace the unique opportunities and experiences offered through the organization.

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