Sam Jokl earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Photo by Todd Jokl
The Seneca Waterways Council proudly recognizes Mendon resident Samuel Jokl for earning the rank of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest achievement. Samuel, a member of Troop 10 in Honeoye Falls, earned this distinction after designing and constructing a concrete sports rebounding wall on the Honeoye Falls-Lima Central School District campus. His accomplishment was celebrated during Troop 10’s Court of Honor, held at the Honeoye Falls Presbyterian Church, surrounded by family, friends, and fellow Scouts.
A senior at Honeoye Falls-Lima High School, Sam is deeply involved in his school and community. He plays on the Varsity Soccer, Basketball, and Lacrosse teams and serves as Treasurer for both the National Honor Society and the Executive Student Council. Outside of school, he contributes to his community as a member of the Mendon Volunteer Fire Crew.
Inspired by his lifelong love of athletics, Sam’s Eagle project combined his passion for sports with his commitment to helping others. Understanding the challenges student-athletes face in balancing academics and team schedules, he envisioned a space that would allow players to train individually or with teammates beyond regular practice times. The finished rebounding wall provides athletes with a safe, dedicated area to refine their skills while helping the Honeoye Falls-Lima School District minimize property wear and tear from informal practice on the exterior walls of school buildings.
Sam took the project from concept to completion—conducting research, presenting the design to the Honeoye Falls-Lima Board of Education, securing funds and materials, and leading a volunteer crew through construction. Despite weather setbacks and logistical challenges, Sam demonstrated perseverance, leadership, and adaptability. Reflecting on the experience, he shared that leading the team taught him valuable lessons about delegating tasks, communicating clearly, and staying resilient under pressure. His project not only enhanced his leadership abilities but also created a lasting resource to benefit the entire Honeoye Falls-Lima athletic community.
When asked about challenges he faced during his project, Samuel responded, “My proposed location had to be altered due to underground lines. Then severe rain in June caused my trench to flood. I had to spend multiple days pumping the water out. Additionally, I had to widen the hole and tamp down mud at the bottom which added time to the project. It was also incredibly hot during some of the planned workdays, so I made some last-minute scheduling changes to make sure the work was completed in the morning, and that everyone stayed hydrated. However, the team of volunteers that helped me persevered and together we were able to overcome these challenges.”
Scouting provides youth like Sam with meaningful opportunities to grow as leaders and give back to their communities. To learn more about Scouting in Rochester or the Finger Lakes, go to ScoutsROC.org to learn more!
