Senior boy scout gives back to community

The dock (unfinished)

The dock (unfinished)

By Noah Lombard, Reporter

Senior Michael Dynes is under a lot of pier pressure to get his project finished.

If you go to Harvest Square Preserve by Publix on Jeff Road, you will see a wooden dock in the process of creation. Dynes is building the dock as a fishing point for the lake, a project he started in order to become an Eagle Scout.

“When I reviewed and approved the project, I could tell right away his planning was detailed. He laid out all the requirements, the funds and materials were properly identified, and he discussed how he would be able to manage the project leading both adults and youth.  He worked several weekends to complete the project, and it will be of great benefit to those who use the dock,” Troop Committee Chair James Charlton said.

Each scout is required to complete one community project before becoming an official Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts. Since 1994, there have been 47 projects that have been completed in troop 94. The projects could be anywhere from building wheelchair ramps to clearing hiking paths in both State and National forests.

“Each one of the projects had one major thing in common: the ability of Eagle candidates to plan and execute the project while demonstrating leadership abilities,” Charlton said.

When an Eagle Scout begins a community project, he is required to gather the funds and complete it all on his own. He may receive help from friends or volunteers, but it is up to the Scout to find them. There were announcements made over the intercom for anyone who wanted to go to Mi Casa and support Dynes through a fund raising effort. The proceeds were used by Dynes to purchase supplies needed for building the dock.

 “We raised just enough to buy the lumber needed and then a little more for the other expenses,” Dynes said.

Dynes has been a Scout for most of his life. He began in the first grade as a Tiger Scout and has stuck with it all this time. He wants to see what all he can get out of scouting, and has made several friends along the way.

“Scouting is very fun for me. I have learned all the basics, and I am doing more teaching to other scouts than just learning skills. I enjoy wakening up, making a breakfast quickly and sitting back and watching the younger scouts trip over each other trying to make their breakfast,” Dynes said.

Though the dock is not yet finished, it is currently useable. The entire project will be completed near the end of April. It has taken around 30 workers and several hours to complete.

“I would like to thank everyone that attended the Mi Casa Night on April 17 for being there. The dock would not be completed without them,” Dynes said.