Written by: Brianna Bobo
Senior Xavier Dunaway has been in Boy Scouts since first grade. He first joined because it “looked fun.” Boy Scouts have impacted Dunaway's life by teaching him life skills and improving his work ethic, among other things.
Dunaway earned his Eagle Scout badge, which is the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA by the Boy Scouts of America. To complete the badge, Dunaway was required to do a community service project. He chose to build raised garden beds in the community garden. A member of the Helping Hands organization reached out to him with the idea.
Dunaway said he would encourage others to join Boy Scouts because it has great life experiences where you can learn life skills. Only 2 million scouts have earned the Eagle Scout since 1912.
According to The National Eagle Scout Association website, the group promotes Eagle Scout accomplishments, celebrates Scouting spirit, and connects Eagles with opportunities to perpetuate the mission, values, and time-honored traditions of Scouting for future generations.
The association’s Immediate past president Frank Tsuru said, “Think of us as one of the largest sources of trained and experienced leaders who continue to make a tremendous, positive impact on our country.”
Dunaway said his friends and his mother helped him with the garden beds for the community gardens.
Scout Leader Alan Tarr has been Xavier’s Scoutmaster for two years.
“Any scout that achieves the Eagle rank says volumes about that Scout,” said Tarr. “Xavier has worked very hard since first grade and stuck with the program to achieve Scout's highest rank. He deserves this achievement.”
Tarr has had other scouts reach this award, including six in the past two years.
“His (Dunaway’s) project was beneficial to the community and we hope it gets used to its full potential.”