Justin Runnells, 18, is the son of Jeffrey and Gail Runnells of Little Rock. He is a member of Troop 108 at the East End Fire Department in Hensley. For his Eagle Project, Justin stripped, repaired and painted risers used for music classes and children's choir at St. Theresa Catholic School and Church in Little Rock.
Drew Rutledge, 17, is the son of Trey Rutledge and Kim Rutledge of Fayetteville. He is a member of Troop 116 at the Sequoyah United Methodist Church in Fayetteville. For his Eagle Project, Drew led a group of 105 volunteers over five days in the construction of a dirt bike trail behind Vandergriff Elementary School for use as a bike education course.
James David Plataka, 16, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Plataka of Cabot. He is a member of Troop 205 at the Cabot United Methodist Church. For his Eagle Project, James built and installed a new sign for Hope's Closet and Pantry in Cabot. He also installed solar-powered lighting, pressure washed the building and cleaned the property.
Noah Van Deventer, 16, is the son of Andrea Dixon and Charlie Van Deventer of Little Rock. He is a member of Troop 30 at the St. Paul Methodist Church in Little Rock. For his Eagle Project, Noah demolished, redesigned and rebuilt an instrument storage room for Pulaski Heights Middle School.
Joseph Wright, 18, is the son of Barbara Wright and Alfred Smith of Little Rock. He is a member of Troop 395 at the St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock. For his Eagle Project, Joseph laid a 50-yard gravel path framed with landscape timbers from the Nature Education Center to the rain garden observation area at the Little Rock Audubon Center. The path provides greater accessibility for people with disabilities.
Andrew Cline, 16, is the son of Chris and Elizabeth Cline of Little Rock. He is a member of Troop 29 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock. For his Eagle Project, Andrew refurbished the exterior of Roland Crisis Closet food pantry in Roland by replacing the vinyl skirting, cleaning and staining the decks, and painting the shutters.
Mason English, 18, is the son of Jere and Beverly English of Little Rock. He is a member of Troop 99 at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. For his Eagle Project, Mason painted the exterior of a cabin at Camp Aldersgate in Little Rock.
Samuel McFarland, 17, is the son of Jeff and Kristi McFarland of Alexander. He is a member of Troop 99 at the Salem Methodist Church in Benton. For his Eagle Project, Samuel led a team to build a storage building at the El Centro Community Center in Little Rock.
Jarret Yingling, 17, is the son of Steven and Jennifer Yingling of Judsonia. He is a member of Troop 159 at the Judsonia Community Center. For his Eagle Project, Jarret constructed and hung several wooden duck boxes to serve as habitats in the Black Swamp Wildlife Management Area.
Grant Merkel, 17, is the son of Hank and Bobbie Ann Merkel of Conway. He is a member of Troop 78 at the Knights of Columbus Council in Conway. For his Eagle Project, Grant remodeled the Cotton Exhibit and built the new Daisy Exhibit at the Faulkner County Museum in Conway.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette would like to recognize the accomplishments of new Eagle Scouts by publishing their profiles and pictures.
Submit the information requested on the profile sheet to 121 E. Capitol Ave., Little Rock, Ark. 72201.
Enclose with this form the picture of the Eagle Scout you wish published. Clear head shots and glossy (not matte) finish are best. Photos cannot be returned. Photos may be emailed (high resolution, please) to CB Byrd at [email protected].
If a picture is unavailable, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette will photograph the new Eagle Scout. Phone ahead at (501) 378-3485 and ask for CB Byrd to make an appointment.
Metro on 01/03/2016