est Jefferson Hills BOROUGH OF JEFFERSON HILLS NEWS
Eagle Scout Project – Ryan Graves
Each year , Boy Scouts across the country work to complete their Eagle Scout Service Projects . Since 1912 , Scouts strive to obtain one of the most recognized ranks throughout the world . The projects present the opportunity for the Boy Scout to “ plan , develop , and give leadership to others ,” by choosing a project that is “ helpful to any religious institution , any school , or your community ,” according to the Boy Scouts of America ( BSA ) website .
Borough resident Ryan Graves has worked over this past year to complete his Eagle Scout Service Project . Ryan is a member of Troop 210 of Whitehall , which is comprised of 15 members . He has been involved with the BSA for more than a decade , with six years as a Cub Scout and five as a Boy Scout .
Ryan chose to redesign the entrance sign at Andrew E . Reilly Memorial Park ( 885 ), just in front of the baseball fields . His goal with the project was to improve the beginning of a new trail that will allow for handicap-access to the fields . The remainder of this trail will be developed by the Public Works Department or through future funding initiatives . Ryan chose this project specifically because he saw a need for rejuvenating the sign , and to help make the park a more inclusive amenity for residents regardless of physical abilities .
Knowing he wanted to complete a project that had a positive impact on his community , Ryan came to the Borough to see what needs were there . After deciding on the sign at Andrew E . Reilly Memorial Park , he quickly got to work .
Ryan enlisted the help of Dave McLean of McLean Architecture to finalize the design aspects of the project . McLean helped to bring Ryan ’ s outlines and ideas to life . After the plans were completed , Ryan worked with the Borough to finalize plans before moving forward with construction . He developed a proposal that was ultimately accepted by the Borough , allowing him to move forward with the construction .
The Borough provided the construction materials and supplies for the project . Once construction and implementation began , it took a little over two weeks to complete . Ryan enlisted the help of other Boy Scouts for the construction portion of the project . Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that began in March , the original timeline for Ryan ’ s project was delayed . Ryan completed construction of the project this fall .
For the BSA to grant the rank of Eagle Scout , Ryan submitted his project report and application after completing the project . As of early November , he is waiting for the final review to be scheduled . The outcome of the board review will confirm his new rank of Eagle Scout .
Currently , Ryan is a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School . Aside from his involvement with the Boy Scouts , he is involved with the Drama Department , and has participated in all plays and musicals since his freshman year . Additionally , he serves as the Drum Major for the TJ Marching Band this year . Following graduation , Ryan plans on attending Duquesne University to pursue a degree in Digital Media Arts .
58 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS
Ryan Graves with his completed Eagle Scout Service Project at Andrew E . Reilly Memorial Park