Kendall Jackson Of Northwest Indiana Becomes First African-American Female Eagle Scout

GARY, Ind. (CBS) — This month, one Northwest Indiana teenager isn’t just celebrating Black History – she has become a part of it.

Kendall Jackson has become the first ever female African-American Eagle Scout.

(Credit: Kendall Jackson)

(Credit: Kendall Jackson)

A member of Gary’s Scout Troop 53, Jackson was 14 years old when girls were first allowed to join the Boy Scouts – and she wasted no time working her way to the top of the ranks.

“It warms my heart to know that I can potentially have younger girls and boys look up to me,” Jackson said.

(Credit: Kendall Jackson)

(Credit: Kendall Jackson)

Jackson, a Lake Central High School senior, said scouting has always been a part of her life. Her mother is a scoutmaster, and her brother is also an Eagle Scout.

(Credit: Kendall Jackson)

But Jackson does point out she has earned more merit badges than her brother.