Bellwood-Antis High School senior Chris Carrier is like most other 18-year-old boys at this time of year – getting ready to say “good bye” to high school and “hello” to the mysterious college experience that awaits them.
But Chris is taking something with him that not too many college-bound students carry along with them – the highest honor awarded by the Boy Scouts of America.
On April 27, Chris, his family and friends, and Bellwood Boy Scout Troop 92 scoutmaster Patrick Flynn gathered at St. Joe’s for the presentation of his Eagle Scout Award.
“It was such a great honor,” said Chris. “When I was a Star scout, which is actually two steps below the Eagle Badge, I really began thinking about it.
“I came to the realization that I was so close and I could do it,” he continued.
“I worked real hard and eventually, got everything done that I had to.”
That included the construction of an Avian Sanctuary adjacent to the state Department of Transportation wetlands located just off state Route 99 in Grazierville for his Eagle Scout project.
“That project took about three years from start to finish,” said Chris.
“I started developing the idea in 2000 after I helped a friend with a similar project. After careful planning, I started the work, which included the building of 18 bird houses, a bat box and eight benches.
“I also had DCNR (the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) plant a whole bunch of trees to establish a habitat for the birds.”
According to Chris, it was the push he got from both his parents and his scoutmaster that allowed him to achieve the high honor.
“My mom and dad (Lori and Rick Carrier) really kept me going on my project,” said Chris.
“They nagged me everyday about it and made sure I got it done.
“Mr. Flynn also really helped out a lot,” he said. “He’s always there and will do whatever he can to help anyone.”
His father, Rick, had only good things to say about him.
“He’s a really good kid that works very hard,” said Mr. Carrier. “He’s definitely deserving of this.”
Chris said he was sure he would continue his involvement in the scouting life even after he goes to Waynesburg College in the fall, where he plans to study pre-law.
He said those younger people who are thinking about joining scouts should stop just thinking about it and just do it.
“I think scouting really develops people into good people,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to meet a lot of great people and make a lot of great friends.
“You’ll learn a lot and have the opportunity to do things you never really had a chance to do before.
“It has left me with a big bunch of experiences that I will never forget.”
