Samuel Williams and Tommy Williams achieved Eagle Scout status during a Court of Honor for Troop 128 held at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Georgetown Pike.
Samuel Williams’ Eagle project involved re-decking and re-railing a bridge that connects two schools in McLean.
“It fell into disrepair as there was a dispute over the bridge’s ownership; one school claimed it was the Park Authority’s responsibility to maintain, while the Park Authority claimed it was the school’s duty,” Samuel Williams said. “Meanwhile, the wooden bridge rotted and became a safety hazard.”
The Scout lobbied government officials for permission to repair the bridge, then planned the effort and recruited volunteers in support of it.
“While it was difficult and at times incredibly frustrating, it was the most rewarding project I’ve ever undertaken,” Samuel Williams said.
Thomas Williams’ Eagle Scout project included renovating and reorganizing a shed at the back of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church.
“The project took four months of planning and four days of work with the help of over 20 Scouts completing a total of 138 hours of service,” he said.
Serving as adviser and mentor during the project was Tommy Williams’ grandfather. “He had constructed three sheds from scratch in his time, and knew everything there was to know about this project,” the new Eagle Scout said.
The effort “really developed my leadership skills, and I hope I can plan on organizing something similar later on,” he said.