Sixteen-year-old William Pakbaz’s deep appreciation for nature drives his community service and his desire to protect the environment for future generations. His many adventures as a scout have shaped his environmental stewardship throughout his ten-year journey to become an Eagle Scout.

An Eagle Scout is a Boy Scout who has achieved the highest rank in Scouting America. Only 4-8% of scouts reach this level, like alumnus Jake Clulow did in 2024, and Pakbaz had to work extremely hard to achieve this distinction. 

Pakbaz’s earliest memory as a young Cub Scout was participating in a tree-planting event near the Saint Stephen’s Lower School playground. It was an experience that ignited his passion for nature. 

“I remember thinking that one day the trees would be bigger than me, and feeling a sense of satisfaction that I was helping the earth,” Pakbaz said. 

As a member of Saint Stephen’s Pack 108, led by alum Beth Horn, Pakbaz thrived in the collaborative spirit of Scouting. His experiences exploring the Kennedy Space Center, camping under the stars at Camp Flying Eagle, and completing Cub Scout adventures taught him the values of teamwork and responsibility. 

“I remember my Bear den struggling to put up a tent for the first time,” Pakbaz recalled. “We were so frustrated, but we figured it out together.”

In 2020, Pakbaz crossed over to Troop 108, a local boy scout troop in Bradenton, where he embraced greater independence and challenges. It was here that his passion for the outdoors flourished, and he learned vital skills and wilderness survival. 

“I spent a week camping at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan in Northern Wisconsin,” Pakbaz said. “We had some incredible adventures like rafting, canoeing, climbing, hiking, and horse riding, but the best part for me was lying in my hammock listening to the sounds of nature.”

As he progressed through the ranks, Pakbaz became the Outdoor Ethics Guide, a role that deepened his commitment to environmental stewardship. In this role, he advocated principles such as the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace, helping others minimize their impact during outdoor activities. 

Then Pakbaz took this environmental stewardship beyond scouting into his Anna Maria Island Community.  He volunteered at Wildlife, Inc. Education & Rehabilitation Center, where he cared for injured birds and other animals. He shaped coastal environments by planting sea oats, doing beach clean-ups, and loading oyster shells into crates. He also restored local ecosystems by planting mangroves. 

When Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton struck Anna Maria Island in 2024, Pakbaz responded with a determination to aid his community. Partnering with Anna Maria City Mayor Mark Short, who is also an Eagle Scout, they identified the need for shoreline restoration at the popular Anna Maria City Pier.

Pakbaz proposed a plan to combat erosion by planting native vegetation. His thorough project proposal, which he presented to the Anna Maria City Commission on May 27, 2025, received praise from the commissioners for its organization.

On May 30, 2025, supported by fifteen dedicated volunteers, including his Scout Master Travis McLeod, fellow scouts, friends, family, and community leaders, Pakbaz executed his plan, planting a diverse range of native species to restore the shoreline.

Pakbaz’s journey to Eagle Scout shows the power of scouting to nurture future leaders dedicated to making a positive impact. He is grateful to Scouting America and his troop leaders for helping him develop a love of nature and community service, and he encourages people across the country to do their part in protecting the environment for future generations.

“You don’t have to do big things. It can be as easy as picking up trash or using a reusable water bottle,” Pakbaz said, “Just consider what you are doing and how it might impact the environment, and you will make a difference.”