Shawn Riley successfully completed his final Eagle Board of Review on Wednesday May 12, 2010. Shawn is the first Eagle Scout from Troop 413 in Holly Springs.

Less than 5% of all boys who enter the Scouting program earn the rank of Eagle. The requirements for Eagle rank include earning six prior ranks, earning at least 21 merit badges, providing leadership within the Troop, and leading an Eagle service project. Shawn’s Eagle project included planning and directing the construction of 6 duck boxes and 3 water bars for Bass Lake Park. Water bars are trail features that reduce erosion.

Shawn began his scouting career in 2004 as a Bear Cub Scout at Pack 356 in Holly Springs. After advancing through the ranks of Bobcat, Bear, and Webelos, Shawn earned the Arrow of Light award and bridged to Troop 356, also in Holly Springs.

At Troop 356, Shawn earned the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life. He held the leadership position of Den Chief and earned the Den Chief Service Award. In the spring of 2009 Shawn transferred to Troop 413 to help the young troop grow. At Troop 413, Shawn held leadership positions of Instructor, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader. He has earned a total of 24 merit badges.

Shawn is an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow – the national Boy Scout honor society. Later this year he will attend the 100th anniversary National Boy Scout Jamboree in Virginia.

Shawn is an eighth grade honor student at Lufkin Road Middle School. An Eagle Court of Honor is planned for Sept 2010.

Boy Scout Troop 413 was established in late 2007 to address growing interest in the scouting program in the Holly Springs area. The Troop is chartered to Holly Springs Baptist Church.