[Student Reporters] Eagle Scout Projects Aid Cerritos

Paul Kim <11th, Cerritos High School>

An Eagle Scout demonstrates Scout Spirit on a regular basis conducts Samaritan-like services for the community and practices exemplary leadership in any setting. It is the highest rank one can attain as a Boy Scout and may be held on to for a life time.

Two students at Cerritos High School are on their way to receiving such an honorary title after having enacted their own service projects. Once their service projects are completed they must partake in a Scoutmaster conference and a board of review after their 18th birthday to ensure that they fully understand Scouting ideals and morals.

Junior Justin Wiguna decided to undergo his Eagle Scout Project on school grounds updating all of Cerritos High School's classroom emergency bags as well as the emergency container located near the baseball fields. "The emergency supplies haven't been updated for nearly 15 years and most of the items are either expired or unusable" said Wiguna. "I believe this is a valuable project that will benefit the school in case of a disaster."

Likewise Senior Joseph Moon completed an eagle project in consideration of children who receive special education under Artesia High School's Early Intervention Program.

In order to show the children how plants live and grow Moon had built six portable wooden planters at Tetzlaff Middle School's woodshop facility where the tools to build the planters were readily available. Moon's main obstacle proved not to be building the planters themselves but financing them. "Despite the financial obstacles I am quite happy with the project in retrospect. Having finished what I started over a year ago gave me a real sense of satisfaction."

Among those who have been declared an Eagle Scout is Senior Christopher Lai. He based his Eagle Scout project on creating an outdoor classroom for students at Carver Elementary. "Having attended Carver Elementary since kindergarten I always enjoyed the garden that was there until it died in the third grade" said Lai. "When it was time to do my Eagle project I almost knew immediately that it was going to be rebuilding the garden for students to enjoy as I did when I was young."

Lai's team installed an underground drip system built four benches and a shed raised three garden beds and decorated with color bark along its floor. "During the Eagle Project the Scout isn't allowed to do any manual labor; it is a test for his ability to lead others and accomplish the goal" said Lai. Lai received his "Be Prepared" Eagle Scout badge on Jan. 14 2009.