MINT HILL, NC – Sam Howard, an 11th grader at Independence High School, is working on one of the highest honors in Scouts, the Eagle Scout Award. The Eagle Scout Award is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouts program. The requirements for the award include earning merit badges along with being able to demonstrate Scout Spirit, Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. Each Eagle Scout candidate is also required to complete a service project, which includes a comprehensive plan for their project and requires the approval of local and district scout leaders. Sam has been selected to construct mobile Lego Learning Stations that will be donated to Clear Creek Elementary.

Each of the stations is designed with a tabletop and wheels that make them mobile so they can be moved from classroom to classroom. Each table features a top that has been constructed to include Lego building bases and a storage drawer underneath to hold all the Lego building blocks. The project was inspired by Sam’s oen interest and love for Legos as a young boy. After his Scoutmaster was approached by Clear Creek Elementary to provide an alternative learning environment for the school, Sam knew that the tables were going to be perfect for his Eagle Scout Service Project. The tables will provide a fun alternative learning activity that will give each everyone involved the opportunity to learn while being creative and productive from the start of the project meeting with a local contractor to design the tables to the finished project.  When implemented at the school, all students will benefit from these mobile stations.

Sam Howard has been a Scout since he was in first grade. He started at Pack 144 for first through fifth grades. During that time, he was able to earn his Arrow of Light, which is the highest rank in Cub Scouts, in 2016. Once he crossed over from Cub Scouts, Sam became a part of Boy Scout Troop 144. He has been a member of the troop for the last six years. During this time he has been in many leadership roles: Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. He is now serving as Senior Patrol Leader, the highest youth position in a troop. His Scouting career includes camping over 100 nights, hiking approximately 125 miles, and providing the community with more than 260 hours of service since 2016. These hours have been dedicated to Scouting for Food, Mint Hill Arts, and the United Methodist Men. His parents encouraged him to join the organization at a young age, and over the years he has grown to love scouts for all that it has to offer. His favorite activities are camping and enjoying a nice campfire surrounded by fellow scouts. Through Scouting, it has been Sam’s honor to serve the community.

“Through Scouting, I have learned outdoor skills, communication, and leadership that I will use for the rest of my life,” says Howard.  “Scouting is a great program for youth to learn these skills and make lifelong friendships. Through my Eagle project, I am designing and building something that will help Clear Creek Elementary for many years. I am proud of that and I really appreciate the community’s donations and support!”