Do you know any Boy Scouts? How about Eagle Scouts?

During the weekend of November 14-15, Zach Hively, a former Day Creek student, rebuilt the planter boxes as his project to earn his Eagle Scout award.

“It looked in desperate need of repair and I needed a project that was pretty close to home,” said Zach Hively when asked why he decided to do this project idea.

Being an Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouts. Only about 7% earned this rank in 2013.

“It took me about 8 years,” said Zach in explaining how long he has worked to move up in rank.

Why did he join Scouts in the first place?

“In first grade, some kid had his Boy Scout uniform on and had a sign. It said join Boy Scouts, four ranks, hit the Eagle, you get more money, better pay grade and, open to more things in life, and better jobs. At the time I was like, ‘Oh, more money- more toys.’”

To earn this award, boys must earn 21 merit badges including some must-have badges, complete all Scout ranks, serve as a troop leader for six months, do a troop leadership project, and successfully complete an Eagle Scout board of review.

Zach’s project consisted of redoing the planter boxes for the agriculture elective. He also included a netting to protect the plants and created a garden shed to keep the tools and other garden necessities stored.

“The paperwork? For the garden alone, probably about 20 pages,” said Zach when asked if he had a least favorite part of the project.

With his fundraising and donations it took $1,300 to make his project idea come to life.