Eagle Scouts Look to Accomplish Projects

By NATALIE GORSUCH

Williamsburg

Correspondent

Three young men, members of the Williamsburg Eagle Scouts, are working toward projects slated to finish over the summer.

Scouts are to choose a project for a non-profit agency such as community or historical society that will benefit the community and give back to others. When beginning the project, Scouts need to keep track of expenses and hours involved. Once they brainstorm ideas, the chosen project goes through a three-step approval process. The first step is the proposal where Scouts present a possible project to a board of three people. At this step, the board can give suggestions to Scouts, or ideas to do the project differently. Next, is the implementation of the project and the third step is completion. Following completion, Scouts will turn in expenses and hours.

Cyrus Simmons

Cyrus Simmons, 15, of Williamsburg is one of the three Scouts working toward his Eagle Project. Cyrus, a freshman at Williamsburg, is the son of Michael and Peggy Simmons. Simmons has been involved in the Scouts for more than nine years and currently participates in cross country/track, band/chorus, Aevidum and Yearbook at the high school. Cyrus's project works with Fort Roberdeau's Colonial Gardens. Cryus wanted to install two interpretive signs with information on for visitors. The first sign is about the harvesting of flax seeds into linen. His second sign talks about the three sisters – corn, beans and squash – three of the main Native American foods. Simmons says these foods, "helped us gain independence from Great Britain." He said he wants visitors of Fort Roberdeau, "to learn more about the significance of common plants helping us to win a war."

Simmons said he worked with the executive director of Fort Roberdeau, Glenn Nelson, who loved the idea and got him in contact with a graphic designer.

Zachariah Richardson

Zachariah Richardson, 17, of Williamsburg is the next Scout working toward completion of his Eagle Scout Project. Zachariah is the son of Troy and Lucinda Richardson and is a junior at Williamsburg. He has been involved with Scouts for a "couple of years" and is involved with FFA and football for Williamsburg.

Richardson's project is to install a wall at the Veteran's Memorial Park located at the center of town to recognize veterans and current military with a plaque with the six branches of military on it. Richardson said he had to implement some fundraisers to help with the project. He hopes to accomplish this by his 18th birthday.

Joey Kunsman

Joey Kunsman, 17, of Williamsburg is the last Eagle Scout working on his project. He is the son of Ed and Vicki Kunsman and is also a junior at Williamsburg High School. He estimates he has been involved with Scouts for about 10 years. In school, he is on the football team, basketball team, ran track for one year, concert/marching band and is a member of the Quiz Bowl.

Kunsman's project works to replace the "Our Children Are Our Treasure" signs coming into Williamsburg with "Trail Town – Take Your Journey" signs. This idea comes off the increase to get Williamsburg into a trail town and encourage more businesses to come to Williamsburg.

Kunsman has been working with Dave Cadle (the beneficiary representative) and the Crossroad for ideas. He, too, has been fundraising and hopes to raise more money.

Kunsman said he wants to "inspire the younger generation and hopes to encourage more community involvement capitalizing on the trail."

"Scouting is a good organization, and more youth should be more involved," Kunsman said.

He praised leaders Andre Merritts, Troy Richardson and Michael Simmons for their involvement and commitment to the Scouts in Williamsburg.