Local youth, community celebrate high flying accomplishments

Eight boys from the South Jordan River Ridge 9th Ward of the L.D.S church have earned Eagle Scout awards for completing major service projects to benefit the community.

The boys received the recognition at a special court of honor held Jan. 25. More than 150 people - including family members, friends and neighbors – attended the Eagle Court of Honor to celebrate the youths’ accomplishments.

Scout Leader David Harris said all of the boys had dedicated families and leaders that helped them throughout their years of scouting.

The eight youth that received an Eagle Scout award each completed a special capstone project. They performed service to benefit both the local community and international aid organizations.

Austen Gleave, 14, completed a project to arrange volunteer help at an equestrian park for special needs children.

Jordan Brough, 14, organized a neighborhood watch program in his community.

Eric Roberts, 14, collected and sterilized bed sheets for use in emergency packages.

Brennon Lund, 17, established a library at a children’s camp for youth with special needs.

Cole Peterson, 14, made fire escape placards using computer aided drawing equipment for all of the public buildings at historical This Is The Place Monument in Salt Lake City.

Chandler Jones, 14, collected home building materials and shipped the supplies to Mexico to assist nonprofit organization Builders Without Borders.

Joshua Vincent, 14, repaired fencing at the This Is The Place Monument to improve the appearance of the park and enclose exposed electrical equipment.

Braden Van Wagonen, 17, collected and prepared blocking materials for use to stabilize structures damaged during an emergency or other unexpected disaster.

Harris said the boys spent many years working to complete the tasks required to prepare for their Eagle Scout. He said some of the boys had spent almost 10 years gaining the leadership skills and experience to complete their Eagle projects.

“To get an Eagle Scout, they had to complete a lot of work,” he said.

To mark the special occasion, the community hired a private handler to bring a Bald Eagle for a live, 30-minute demonstration at the beginning of the evening.

In addition, the ceremony featured speakers with remarks on what it means to earn an Eagle and a moment of special recognition for each individual Scout.

The youth also each presented a special mentor badge to leaders and parents who had supported and influenced them as they worked to earn their Eagle.

Harris said the boys had received a lot of support and encouragement, and that the community was very proud of their accomplishments.