ADAMS TWP — Every heart swelled with pride at the ceremony Sunday to confer the rank of Eagle Scout on Jacob Brown.

Jacob met all the rigorous requirements of that lofty position even though he uses a walker for mobility and an electronic communication device to speak.

Jacob, 18, refused to let his cerebral palsy stand in the way of his dream to become an Eagle Scout, which began in 1999 when he joined the Cub Scouts as a Tiger Cub. In 2004, after receiving the Arrow of Light, the highest award available to Cub Scouts, Jacob crossed over to Boy Scouts.

Throughout his scouting career, Jacob has advanced through the ranks with his fellow Scouts, earning 21 merit badges. While Boy Scouts offers an alternate program for those with special needs, Jacob powered through the regular program with only a few modifications.

Jacob's mother Rebecca Brown said the cycling badge was a tough one for the determined youth, so the family bought him a recumbent trike so he could pedal in a reclined position. Jacob completed six rides of increasing length before his final ride of 33 miles in 8 hours, 15 minutes.

He earned another badge by skiing, which is one of the Brown family's favorite pastimes. Jacob uses special poles and the tips of his skis are tethered so an adult can hold onto the tethers behind him for better stability.

"He definitely will try anything once," Rebecca Brown said.

The requirements of other physically challenging badges were met through the regular therapy Jacob undergoes.

When asked the main advantage scouting provides, Jacob replied, "To get friendships." Jacob named Cody Moody, Jacob Baehr and Kevin Kalan as his closest scouting friends. His mother said the Scouts and parents in the Mars area have been wonderful in assisting Jacob during projects or on camping trips.

"They have stepped up and done whatever has been needed without even thinking about it," she said.

For his Eagle Scout project, Jacob decided to refinish 14 small bronze Stations of the Cross plaques and place them on poles outside St. Kilian Catholic School in Cranberry Township.

The Rev. Charles Bober, pastor at St. Kilian, said he told Jacob's father Jeff Brown about the plaques, which he ended up with after DePaul School for deaf children left them behind in a cross-town move.

Bober said the square bronze plaques, which depict each of the 14 steps of Christ's crucifixion, had languished outside and were in poor condition.

"It was Jacob's idea to do something on the (parish) property, and we had those stations, so he said 'Yes, that is what we will do,'" Bober said.

Jacob, assisted by his fellow Scouts, spent the entire winter of 2009-10 stripping and cleaning the plaques. Jacob and his troop mates then built 14 10-by-7-inch wooden shrines complete with copper roofs, to which the plaques were affixed.

They then stained the shrines in addition to 14 poles. The shrines were attached to the poles, which Scouts cemented into the ground in equally spaced holes leading up the hill.

The result is a Stations of the Cross trail.

"With 500 kids in the school and 1,000 kids in religious education, to be able to walk up that path and use those stations for prayers during Lent is a real advantage for us," Bober said.

Bober said he is delighted he was able to be involved in the Eagle Scout project with Jacob, who he calls a truly brave individual.

"Jacob is an example of a courageous person," Bober said. "He has triumphed over lots of things in his life. I would call him an icon for courage and determination."

As part of his attaining the highest Boy Scout ranking, Jacob was required to submit a personal statement along with his Eagle Scout application. In it, Jacob says scouting has taught him to not let obstacles stand in his way.

"Growing up with cerebral palsy comes with many challenges," Jacob wrote. "But despite my cerebral palsy, my family has encouraged and helped me to try many things. Because of this positive attitude of not letting my handicap hold me back, I have been able to ski, swim, bike, shoot, camp, canoe, and much more.

"Along with the fun, I am also expected to help around the house as much as my brother and sister. Even though I may not always be able to do something, I am always willing to try."

Jacob also told Boy Scout officials while his fellow scouts have helped him when he meets a barrier, he feels he has helped them as well.

"From me, I also think the troop has benefited and gained a greater appreciation for someone with a disability," Jacob wrote in his statement.

He said because of the determination required in his scouting career, Jacob has exciting goals for the future.

"After high school, I want to study CAD drafting or architectural drafting," Jacob wrote. "The perseverance and ideals I learned in scouting and the courage to try new things will help me to reach my goals and succeed in the world."

At his Eagle Scout ceremony at Adams Township Municipal Building, Jacob's older brother Zach read the response to the Eagle Scout charge, which Jacob had written earlier. In it, Jacob thanked his father for participating in all the camping trips and other Boy Scout activities, Zach for being a good role model, and Troop 400 scouts, leaders and families who helped him complete his Eagle Scout project.

"And to all you future Eagles, stick with it. You can do it," Jacob said through Zach.

On Tuesday, Jacob showed off his Boy Scout shirt along with its various badges and new Eagle Scout neckerchief and medals. When he looks back over his journey through scouting, Jacob finds his philosophy to conquering life.

"If you have a big project, do it in little bits at a time. Then it doesn't seem like such a big project."