Dylan Van Ness was recognized Tuesday by the Kosciusko County Commissioners for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Pictured (L to R) are Commissioner Bob Conley; Dylan Van Ness; Heather Van Ness, his mother; and Commissioner Cary Groninger. Photo by David Slone, Times-Union
Dylan Van Ness was recognized Tuesday by the Kosciusko County Commissioners for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Pictured (L to R) are Commissioner Bob Conley; Dylan Van Ness; Heather Van Ness, his mother; and Commissioner Cary Groninger. Photo by David Slone, Times-Union
To become an Eagle Scout, one must earn a minimum of 21 Merit Badges.

Dylan Van Ness, from Boy Scouts of America Troop 726, North Webster, earned 26.

The Kosciusko County Commissioners recognized Van Ness at their meeting Tuesday for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

In making the presentation to Van Ness, Commissioner Bob Conley read a congratulatory statement.

“Becoming an Eagle Scout is an outstanding achievement. This honor demonstrates you’re a hardworking young man of good character. You should be proud of this accomplishment,” Conley said. “Over the course of your years in Scouting, you have learned many qualities that have shaped you to become a young, strong leader and helpful citizen to your community. Our hope for your future is that you continue to learn and grow and lead with integrity.”

The Scout law and oath provide for Van Ness to become a strong, confident adult, he continued. “The knowledge and attitude you develop as a Scout will be with you the rest of your life.”

Van Ness thanked a lot of people in his life who got him to this point, but the person he thanked most was his mother, Heather Van Ness.

Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith said, “I got the honor of being at the ceremony last week for Dylan. It’s interesting, I found out that of all the Scouts across the nation, 5% or less achieves this Eagle Scout, so it’s pretty incredible. And, something else, 21 Merit Badges is what the minimum is, but Dylan couldn’t stop there. He kept going. He had to get 26, so he’s an overachiever.”

As Smith listened at the ceremony, he said he heard the words integrity, bravery, honor, etc. - all the types of things he’s looking for when he hires for the sheriff’s department.

“I told Dylan, I don’t know what his plans are for the future, but certainly come see me if law enforcement is in his future,” Smith said.