Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is no small achievement: it requires years of dedication, leadership, and service. Five scouts from Hanover High School have gone above and beyond, using their projects to make a meaningful impact on our community. From improving accessibility and transportation to preserving local history, their efforts demonstrate the values of scouting and the lasting difference one individual can make.
According to EagleScout.org, the projects these high schoolers participate in must be challenging, valuable to the community, “demonstrate leadership of others and provide service to a worthy institution.” Eagle Scout is the highest rank a scout can achieve.
After seeing how many bikes were being thrown out at the Hanover transfer station, senior Gavin Hardy organized a bike drive for his Eagle Scout project. He collected about 100 bikes from the dump in one weekend, refurbished the bikes that could be saved and donated them to schools, veterans and families in need. Spare parts were sent to Cameroon, Africa. He credits Rich Bonanno, the founder of the Scituate-based nonprofit Rolling Wave Foundation, with helping him connect with organizations and individuals in need. Gavin’s project shows how a simple idea can bring mobility and independence to others.
Drew Keith’s journey to Eagle Scout has been lifelong, filled with challenges and memorable moments. Attending the National Jamboree in West Virginia stands out as a highlight, while navigating the extensive paperwork for his Eagle Scout project proved to be his greatest hurdle. An HHS junior, Drew built a bog board to replace an old one between the middle and high schools, making the trails accessible for people and their dogs. Despite facing weather challenges, Drew’s perseverance shone through, and he credits scouting with instilling leadership, life skills, and values like good citizenship. When asked for advice, Drew shared, “Stick with it. It’s a fun experience if you go into it with the right mindset.”
Tyler Jewson’s Eagle Scout project also involved building bog boards to bridge muddy areas, improving accessibility and usability for the community. The HHS junior’s project demonstrates a hands-on commitment to solving local challenges and leaving a lasting impact.
Since joining scouting in 2019, junior Matthew Bell has held the leadership position of “historian.” For his Eagle Scout project, Matthew built paddle board racks for the Hingham Maritime Center. In addition to that, he refurbished their flagpole, built in the 1920s. His role as troop historian reflects his dedication to leadership and legacy and his project reveals a deep understanding and appreciation for the local history.
Junior Liam Anderson’s path to Eagle Scout began with a unique twist: quitting in 5th grade only to rejoin in 6th. His determination paid off as he rose to the rank of Senior Patrol Leader, managing a troop of 60 scouts. For his Eagle Scout project, Liam created portable exhibit signs for antique vehicles to support the local historical society. Communication challenges during the project taught him the importance of persistence and follow-ups. Liam credits scouting with shaping his leadership and communication skills, making him a more well-rounded individual. His advice to aspiring Eagle Scouts: “Overlook the tedious, see the light at the end of the tunnel, and imagine yourself in the future without it. You’d be pretty sad if you saw all the others and wish you had stuck through it.”
From bike drives to bog boards and historical preservation, these scouts’ projects highlight the diverse ways Eagle Scouts make meaningful contributions. Through their dedication, leadership, and resilience, they’ve not only achieved scouting’s highest rank but also left lasting marks on their communities, setting powerful examples for future generations.
This article was published in partnership with Hanover High School. It originally appeared in THE HAWK, Hanover High School's student newspaper.