By LAURA BROOKHART / Community Columnist

Jacob Rozycki, of Troop 2, was presented Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor on Feb. 8, with family, friends and fellow scouts in attendance.

The Master of Ceremony was Matt Owen, and the Trail to Eagle Scout Candle Ceremony was conducted by fellow scout and friend Bradford Owen.

Scoutmaster Larry Lee pronounced Rozycki deserving of the honor and spoke of his caring attitude and reputation for always looking out for others.

“This country has a great past and a greater future with leaders like you,” added Scoutmaster Larry Faulkner.

Working with his dad, Jeff Rozycki and other volunteers, Jacob’s Eagle Scout project made significant improvements to the Helena facility of Two by Two Rescue.

New stabilized fencing was added, a portion was covered to protect against the rain and sun, lighting was installed by the city and an accumulation of trash and debris was removed.

The project was near and dear to Jacob and his family, who volunteer with Two By Two and over the years have fostered over 30 dogs, including several litters of puppies.

Rozycki, who is a third-generation Boy Scout, was honored to have his grandfather, Jim Rozycki, Troop 194 in Pittsburgh, present for the occasion and thanked both him and his father, Jeff Rozycki, “for pushing me to finish my Eagle Scout badge.”

Jacob presented Jim with the Eagle Mentor pin.

Jim Rozycki noted that his involvement with Boy Scouts goes back 40 years, but as he had the opportunity to participate with Troop 2, he believes it to be the most outstanding group he has ever worked with.

Jim Rozycki also presented Jacob with a memento of specific significance on the day, a collectable vintage first-aid kit.

As Rozycki completed all of his Eagle requirements on Dec. 22, 2014, his was the record-setting 68th Eagle Scout in the Shelby County District this year, said Faulkner, who noted 69 was the total number of Eagles, passing the previous record of 67.