Boy Scout Nick Fowler was awarded Scouting’s highest award, the Eagle Badge, at a special Court of Honor ceremony on Sunday afternoon, February 18, 2007, at Stewarts Creek Church of Christ. Dave McGee, Nick’s scoutmaster at Troop 640, outlined the trail to the Eagle badge for Nick and the audience. Nick was then presented the Eagle badge by his former scoutmaster at Troop 422, Stanley Dunn. The Eagle Charge was made by the current Troop 422 scoutmaster, Michael Hodges.

Nick is the son of Thomas and Lisa Fowler of Smyrna. He is a student at LaVergne High School, where he is on the cross-country team. Nick was highly praised by coach Al Evans, who delivered the closing Benediction at the ceremony.

Greg Vick, the pastor at Stewarts Creek Church of Christ, lead the opening Invocation. After receiving his badge, Nick was presented with a certificate by John Comer, the Commander of VFW Post 8422, the charter organization for Troop 422. Dale Bryson, Troop 422 Committee Chairman, presented Nick with an Eagle statue as a gift from the troop.

Nick is the twenty-sixth Eagle Scout from Troop 422, and the third to receive his badge this year.

For his Eagle Scout service project, Nicholas chose to build an amphitheatre for Cedar Grove Elementary School. The school had an existing stage and benches that were in need of replacing due to deteriorating conditions. At one time, the school has used the amphitheatre on a regular basis for story time, history, science, plays, etc.

Nick recruited help from fellow scouts, leaders, friends, and neighbors. On the first work day, everyone seemed to enjoy tearing down the old benches and stage. The weather wasn’t the most inviting, but with a little help from 5 gallons of hot chocolate, 96 donuts, a case of Gatorade, and 100 slices of pizza, plenty of work got done! The project moved forward with a lattice backed stage being built. He then constructed some benches that had backs so it would be easier for small children to sit. Nick ran into some trouble when he didn’t plan for solid rock to be 6” underground. Everywhere! After he finally got the woodwork finished, Nick had to bring in soil to prevent further erosion. He finished his project by laying seed and straw and planting some trees that are native to Tennessee. Nick invested 320 hours on his Eagle Project.

The PTO offered to fund 100% of Nick’s project which started with an estimated budget of $1748.47. Nick chose to ask Lowe’s for help and was given a special discount on lumber. Because of the discount, Nick was able to upgrade his original plan and use heavier lumber and add the basic landscaping. He was also loaned an auger at no charge from The Lilly Company. With the help from Lowe’s, free mulch, free equipment rental and other community support, Nick was able to complete his project for $909.

Nick would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their support with his project:

• Scouts and Adult Leaders of Troop 422
• Brian Basham
• John Webster
• Chris Yoder
• Kathy Emberton
• Mike Day
• George St. Pierre
• Delisa Helton and the Cedar Grove PTO
• Kellye Goostree, Principal Cedar Grove Elementary

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