Teen Eagle Scout Honored With Holiday in Macomb Township

Although your Google calendar may not alert you, July 28 won’t be just any Saturday in Macomb Township.

By resolution of the township board of trustees, Saturday, July 28, will actually be Jordan J. Lada Day, an honorary holiday recognizing the achievements in scouting and community service of a 14-year-old Macomb Township resident.

A student at , Jordan recently completed his Eagle Scout project for Boy Scout Troop 149. It was in recognition of the “dedication, commitment and personal sacrifices” he made to obtain this rank that the Macomb board proclaimed July 28 be celebrated in his honor.

A longtime visitor to Wolcott Mill Metropark in Ray Township, Jordan knew immediately that he wanted his Eagle Scout project to benefit his favorite haunt.

With the guidance of park officials, Jordan set out to build a 150-foot boardwalk in the park.

“Mr. (Bill) Thomas gave me guidelines on what he wanted done–dimensions, what supplies to use, where to go–and my dad and some of my uncles and friends’ parents and myself worked on cutting the boards and making the pathway,” Jordan said.

Using 6x6 and 2x12 beams, Jordan completed the boardwalk last August, after eight months of design and construction.

"It was great to see all my hard work finally pay off," Jordan said of surveying the finished project.

As for his "holiday," Jordan said he’s grateful for the recognition, even if it will mean extra teasing from his older siblings.

So how would the Eagle Scout of the hour have fellow residents spend his day?

“I’d like people to sit at home and relax and watch TV and not be so worried about life and jobs,” he said. “I want them to forget all their troubles.”

During his time in scouts, Jordan has earned 26 merit badges, served as a senior patrol leader, historian and instructor, and received the Arrow of Light, which is the highest award in Cub Scouting and the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform. At Dakota, Jordan is a member of the swim team and plays trombone in both the marching and symphonic bands.