Clearwater Youth Leadership Honored by Eagle Scout Recognition

CLEARWATER, FL, February 14, 2013 (Press-News.org) In the last few months, three Clearwater Boy Scouts - Cole Perry, Logan Radoll and Damian Pires of Troop 313 - have attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve in the Scouting program. This feat was acknowledged in a special presentation at the historic Fort Harrison earlier this week.

In addition to earning 21 merit badges and holding various leadership roles with their Troop, Eagle Scout candidates must also plan, fundraise and complete a Leadership Project which benefits the community.

Cole Perry did his Eagle Scout Leadership Project at the Washburn Academy, a private high school in Clearwater, where Perry planned, fund raised and led a group in the construction of an athletic storage facility. After graduation from high school, Cole will be going to college to earn a degree in Petroleum Engineering.

Logan Radoll did his Eagle Scout Leadership Project at the Moccasin Lake Park in Clearwater. After fundraising and planning, Logan led a group in the ground clearance of a dense part of the park and in the construction of a 900 foot trail with timber borders and mulch for park vehicles and visitors. Logan is currently working on his General Contractor license,

Damian Pires's project was for Clearwater Academy International, a private school in Clearwater. Damian planned, fund raised and led a group in the construction of a special, self-draining planter box for the school's Department of Science botanical experiments and programs. After high school graduation, Damian will pursue an Electrical Engineering degree at the Coast Guard Academy,

Troop 313 is sponsored by the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization in Clearwater, Florida and has produced 25 Eagle Scouts since its inception in 1996.
L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology religion, attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1924 at the age of 13, and was the youngest Eagle Scout at the time.

"Of all the various information which became important to me, such as photography, woodlore, signaling and many other subjects, the basis of it was laid in Scouting. I am very indebted to a great many, very fine men who gave their time and attention to a restless, boisterous and extremely active boy and teenager, and I must have tried their patience many times, but I never heard of it from them," wrote Hubbard about his experiences with the Scouts.

Others who have attained the rank of Eagle Scout have also included astronaut Neil Armstrong, novelist and adventurer Clive Cussler and New York city Mayor Michael Bloomberg. It is estimated that one out of 100 young men who become Boy Scouts will reach Eagle Scout.

Originally built in 1926, the Fort Harrison now serves as the international religious retreat for the Church of Scientology.