Caledonia Argus

Mitchell earns Eagle Scout honors

Posted: 9/17/02

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

Becoming an Eagle Scout will always be something that Aaron Mitchell of Brownsville will associate with turning 18 years old.

He earned the honor only a few days before his 18th birthday and in the process learned how to become a leader in his community.

The last step to becoming an Eagle Scout requires completing the Eagle Scout Service Project, which benefits a school, church or community. Former leader of Boy Scout Troop 226 in Brownsville, Alan Whitesitt, explained, ìItís a substantial project to show leadership skills. He has to lead a group of people.î

Mitchell organized a project that would benefit students in Caledonia Elementary who are in need of school supplies. He also worked with Caledonia Elementary Family Support Worker Julie OíMara-Meyer, in establishing an emergency fund that would help pay for items that students are in need of. This is the first fund of its kind.

The schoolís low budget situation prompted Mitchell to coordinate the school supplies drive. ìI knew a lot of people didnít have funds to send their kids to school,î he said explaining why he chose to do something that would benefit the school.

Mitchell concentrated the school supply drive in a two mile radius in Brownsville and dropped off flyers asking for people to donate school supplies or money. After just two weeks, Mitchell collected three tote loads of school supplies and over $300 in cash for the emergency fund.

O'Mara-Meyer said everything was greatly needed. ìThis is the first year that Iíve actually had money. Itís nice because if thereís something that they need today, they can get it,î she said.

Sheís already used $100 from the fund and anticipates even more will be used for winter clothes. ìWinter is tough,î she said, ìEvery winter there are kids who canít play outside because they donít have boots or snow pants.î

The Eagle Scout Court of Honor will be held on Sunday, October 6 at 3 p.m.

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