Back in 2017, when Noah was a brand-new 9-year-old Cub Scout, he confidently declared that he would become an Eagle Scout one day — and now he’s almost there. Noah received a loan to bring his Eagle Scout project vision to life: creating three peaceful reflection spaces for public use around the pond at our church in Lithia, FL. Over the past several months, he designed the plan, met with church staff and scout leaders, and led fellow scouts and friends as they:

*excavated and leveled the site areas around the pond

*laid pavers and grout

*built, sanded, stained, and installed a picnic table and benches

*secured them atop the pavers

Although Noah had approval to fundraise for his project, he chose a different path — he got a job and has been working to repay the project loan himself.

He’s now in the final stage of paperwork and interviews to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. As he turns 17 next week, I’m inviting friends and family to contribute retroactively toward his project as a surprise birthday gift and a celebration of his commitment.

Every dollar will go directly toward paying off the loan that made his project possible, reducing what he must repay before his Eagle ceremony in 2026.

If you’d like to leave him a supportive note, I’ll print and display them at his ceremony. Your kind words will make this milestone even more meaningful.