First Marblehead Female Eagle Scouts Honored For Achievement

MARBLEHEAD, MA — A pair of groundbreaking achievers who graduated from Marblehead High School last spring were honored for being among the first female Eagle Scouts on the North Shore this past weekend.

Marblehead Troop 79G conducted a Court of Honor for Zoe Gast and Katie Jenkins on Saturday at Abbot Hall.

"Today marks a historic milestone for BSA Troop 79G as we celebrate our first Eagle Scouts, Katie Jenkins and Zoe Gast," said Jen Stoddard, Troop 79G Scout Master. "Their achievement is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and leadership that define the spirit of scouting. It's a proud moment that underscores the importance of inclusivity as well as the vital importance of empowering young women, providing them with opportunities for leadership, personal growth, and outdoor adventure."

Troop 79G was founded just over four years ago by Jenkins among others, opening Scouting to young women willing to break stereotypes and benefit all young people regardless of gender, religion, or race.

The troop is part of Troop 79, which was founded in 1937.

Jenkins and Gast camped across New England, leading backpacking trips to Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico, and giving back to the community through significant service projects.

Gast's Eagle Project focused on contributing to the Prison Book Program of Quincy, which provides books for the 2 million people in the nation's prisons and jails.

Jenkins hosted a drive collecting supplies and preparing gift bags for the transitional housing residents at the Centerboard Salem State Shelter.

Eagle service projects led by the female Eagles in the Greater Boston area have resulted in over 8,486.5 hours of community service.

Gast is a freshman at Florida State University focusing on international affairs. She is the second Eagle Scout in her family, following in the footsteps of her great grandfather, Stanley Vanderbeck, who earned his Eagle Scout rank on Dec. 26, 1932, in St. Joseph, Michigan.

Jenkins is a freshman studying psychology at Scripps College in California.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)