DIXON – Emma Halla is following in the footsteps of her father and two older brothers by becoming an Eagle Scout, and she’s the first girl in Dixon to receive the honor.

It’s the highest Scout ranking and a title only 8% of Scouts achieved in 2019, but it wasn’t possible for girls up until recently. Boy Scouts of America began accepting girls into their ranks in February 2019, so Emma jumped at the opportunity.

“I thought it would be fun, and my brothers wanted me to, too, so I wanted to follow in their footsteps,” the Dixon High School senior said.

Emma joined Troop 312 in Rochelle, an all-girl BSA troop, and earned 22 badges during her first year. Ten of those badges contributed toward the Eagle rank.

She then earned 11 more badges during the pandemic, and by then was ready to pick her community Eagle Scout project. As it happens, Emma is an avid tennis player and plays on the DHS team, which gave her an idea for her project.

The benches at the Emma Hubbs Tennis Courts had long since been old and worn out, her father Thomas said, and the courts didn’t have enough of the benches for those in attendance.

“She saw a need and built a stronger, better-looking bench,” Thomas said. “They should last for several generations.”

Emma built four benches with treated lumber and used paint from an expert to color them white with purple highlights, her school colors. She was going to be part of the inaugural group of area girl Eagle Scouts, but the benches needed to cure during the winter, so her ceremony was delayed until late August.

Thomas said she’s made strides in developing confidence and leadership, as well as building friendships and learning new skills.

“It really has shown growth in her, not only in scouting but her whole life,” he said. “Scouting is a great way for young people to better themselves, their community and society.”

Emma is the daughter of Thomas and Sandy, and her brothers are Anton and Nolan.