Peachtree Corners City Council Recognizes Wesleyan Senior for Achieving Eagle Scout Rank

Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is the highest accomplishment awarded by the Boy Scouts of America and one that undoubtedly deserves recognition. At its Tuesday evening meeting on January 26, the Peachtree Corners City Council were pleased to recognize Paul Nichols, a senior at Wesleyan School, for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Nichols was presented with a formal proclamation from the city.  Requirements for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout are many including earning at least 21 merit badges, demonstrating Scout Spirit, and demonstrating leadership within their troop. The final requirement requires the Scout to plan, organize, lead, and manage a community service project.

For the last step, Nichols volunteered over 240 hours of his time of community service and lead other volunteers in the clearing and construction of a mulch path at the Dunwoody Nature Center. The high-schooler accomplished this task during a difficult time when social distancing was required.

Nichols completed his Eagle Scout project in April of 2020.  He worked with Dunwoody Nature Center to complete a walking path.  That project included organizing volunteers & resources to clear the path, line the path with fallen pine trees, and mulching the path. 

The largest hurdle that Nichols had to overcome was the lack of volunteers he was able to utilize for the work days.  He received approval to work on his project and he had Scouts scheduled for that work on March 28, 2020. Paul worked with the suggestions from Governor Kemp to re-work the project to ensure that there was no group larger than 10 people and that everyone could maintain a safe distance of 6 feet or more.  He was granted permission from the Dunwoody Nature Center, Troop 1963, & from the Button Gwinnett District Advancement Committee. So Nichols demonstrated tremendous commitment and fortitude to complete his Eagle Scout project under extraordinary circumstances.

“This young man joins an elite group as only 8% of Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout,” said Mayor Mike Mason. “Those who complete an Eagle Scout service project are rewarded with more than a medal and badge. They gain an experience that remains with them for life. We are proud and delighted to present the city’s proclamation to Paul and offer our congratulations on earning the highest honor in Scouting.”

Nichols also is very active in the community in other ways, most notably as Drum Major for the Wesleyan band this year and Assistant Drum Major last year.

“In this group, they love you just where you are,” Nichols said.

Source:

Peachtree Corners City Council Press Release

Background information provided by Wesleyan School