When students walk around the quad of the new China Lake Junior High, they will find a comfortable place to sit, thanks to Burroughs junior Eli Eggleston. He recently completed his Eagle Scout project by designing and building benches for the former Murray campus, putting his skills in leadership and service into action.
Eggleston explained that he picked the project because he saw an immediate need.
“I chose it because it was something that needed to be done the most,” he said.
As with other Eagle Scout projects, leadership was at the core of the challenge. Eggleston admitted that taking charge of the work felt overwhelming initially.
“I found leading to be very difficult at first,” he said. “But after getting used to it, I found it very manageable and easy.”
The project itself was no small task. Eggleston built a total of eight benches over the course of two days, with the help of family and members of his troop. The school PTO funded the project, making it possible for his plan to become a reality.
For Eggleston, the brightly-painted benches represent more than a finished project. They also reflect the lessons he has gained through scouting.
“I think scouting is a good way to build character and learn important life skills you cannot learn in school,” he said.
The benches are now in place at China Lake Junior High, where students will be able to use them during the school day. Eggleston’s project adds a practical feature to the new campus that will serve the school community for years to come.
“We are grateful for the service that Eli provided,” said China Lake Junior High Principal David Andreason. “The benches are a great addition to campus, and our students are already putting them to good use. I am thankful for individuals like Eli who make service to the community a priority.”
