Trussville’s Boy Scouts paints U.S. map for Paine Elementary School

From The Tribune staff reports

TRUSSVILLE — Trussville’s Boy Scouts of America Troop 216 spent a portion of their time off painting a large US map in the courtyard at Paine Elementary School (PES). The map is designed to be used for educational games and applications in history, geography, economics, and politics.

Trussville’s Boy Scouts of America Troop 216 paint a large U.S. map for Paine Elementary School.(Photo courtesy of Laura White)

Reagan White, 17, a junior at Hewitt Trussville High School (HTHS) and member of Troop 216 worked closely with Dr. Patti Neal, Trussville City Schools (TCS) superintendent, and Dr. Lisa Lothspeich, principal at PES, to make sure the map would be a positive addition to the school and benefit both the teachers and the students.

White also took the lead in making it happen as he developed the idea of a project that would serve the community as well as highlight Reagan’s love for art and all things creative. Reagan planned extensively everything from the space needed, the financial investment, the materials necessary, dates, times, and he organized and led volunteers throughout the completion of the project. He also secured donations for the supplies and materials needed.

“The map project serves as the last big step toward the rank of Eagle Scout for Reagan,” White’s mother, Laura White, said. “The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest and most prestigious achievement a Scounty can reach. Highly respected, the rank of Eagle Scout carries with it special significance, not only in Scouting, but also in school,  business, and the community.”

To attain the Eagle rank, a Scout must earn at least 21 merit badges, fulfill leadership roles, display outdoor skills, demonstrate by example the Scout Oath and Law, and complete a comprehensive service project in the community.

Reagan White. (Photo courtesy of Laura White)

“Outside of Boy Scouts, Reagan is an excellent student at HTHS. He has an A average while taking advanced and AP classes,” Laura said. “Reagan is also involved in the theatre department at the high school as well as community theatre. Reagan is in a singing group called Broadway Bound, through which he has had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem for the Montgomery Biscuits and UAB Blazers.”

White also enjoys playing the tuba in the HTHS marching band and wind ensemble as well as singing with the chamber choir. He has been a part of the TCS system since kindergarten and is thrilled to be able to give back with his Eagle Scout Project.

White would like to thank several people whom he could not have completed the project without. Ace Hardware of Trussville donated all of the paint supplies and materials needed. Scoutmaster, Kimball Karmondi, as well as several other leaders in his troop, including Karen Karmondi, advancement chair person, and others were instrumental in making it possible. White would also like to thank his parents for their support and hard work

“Boy Scouts that volunteered were Riley Harper, Liam McGinnis, Thomas Pair, and Luke Stutsman,” Laura said. “Reagan is very grateful to his former Scout Master, Dr. Matt Brown, who served Reagan and the Trussville troop for many, many years.”