From staff reports
John Paul II Catholic School junior David Shaw completed his Eagle Scout project and recently participated in the Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony when his rank became official.
Shaw, who has been a part of scouting since he was 5, is a member of Troop 200, chartered by St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Beaufort. His Eagle Scout project was creating a walkway from the back of the parking lot at JPII to the circle around the pond.
“Scouting has been a major part of my life since before I can remember,” Shaw said. “Both my mom and my brother were involved in scouting before I was born. I was always brought to my brother’s weekly meetings and did the activities with him, so why not join the pack that met at the same time. I joined scouting as a bobcat.”
Shaw decided to do his project at the school because he wanted to see the payout of his hard work.
“The specifics of my project just fell into place,” he said. “After Hayden Jennings ’21 and Jack Brock ’23 finished their projects, there was an evident problem. There was no convenient way to get to their finished projects. That’s where my project came into play.”
Shaw pitched the idea of a pathway to JPII Principal John McCarthy, who gave the green light to the project, befitting all visitors, students, and teachers.
Due to the bulk of his project being done during Christmas break, most of the help David got was from family, as well as many scouts, parents, and other JPII students.
“The funds used in the project were obtained by earlier Eagle Scouts who left their extra funds with the school and I used those funds in my project,” Shaw explained.
Eagle Scout is the highest rank in the Boy Scout program. Requirements include the achievement of many merit badges, an attitude that reflects the Boy Scout oath, service, and leadership. Eagle Scouts must also complete a service project that benefits a community, school or religious organization.
Post-secondary education plans for Shaw include attending Clemson University for either civil or mechanical engineering.
