Published: November 19, 2008 09:07 am      

Local Boy Scout completes Eagle Scout project

Jeffrey Wright of Boy Scout Troop 103, Mt. Vernon, has completed his Eagle Scout project for the Belle Rive Cemetery. Mr. Marvin Scott, president of the cemetery board, and Mr. Elwin Cox, caretaker for 37 years at the cemetery, suggested work ideas for the project. Tree trimming, bleaching stones, scraping and repainting a bench, repainting a donation box and a block building were all part of the upgrades needed for the cemetery. That much of the work was completed in time for a dedication ceremony for a new black granite sign.

Jeffrey was present at the dedication ceremony and met the donor of the sign, Mrs. Doris Waters Harris Lichtenstein. Mr. Marvin Scott, many other members of the Belle Rive Cemetery Association and the mayor of Belle Rive were also in attendance. They expressed their thanks to all the scouts who had been so helpful.

More recently, Jeffrey and several other Boy Scouts and leaders buried bricks to mark the corners of cemetery plots in a new area of the cemetery. Finally, Jeffrey stenciled, painted and installed a new notice sign for the cemetery. In all, over 200 work hours were logged to finish the tasks. Completing the Eagle Scout project leads to the receipt of the Boy Scouts of America’s highest honor, the Eagle Scout Award.

Jeffrey is a freshman at Mt. Vernon Township High School. He is the son of Dr. Kevin and Debbie Wright of Mt. Vernon. His fifth grade brother, Michael, attends J.L. Buford and will cross over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts in May.

Jeffrey was valedictorian at Casey Middle School last year and is active in Scholar Bowl, Chess Club, MVTHS Marching Rams Band and plays French horn and piano. He enjoys playing golf and swimming. He is also active at Mt. Vernon Church of Christ.