In pursuit of the prestigious Eagle Rank, Prince Edward County High School (PECHS) senior Ryan Garrett has been working for the last month to improve the middle school’s Edible Schoolyard.

Eagle Scout is the final and highest rank in the Scouting system. Ascension to this rank marks the completion of one’s Boy Scout journey. One of the many requirements for becoming an Eagle Scout is to “plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school or your community” (US Scouts). Garrett selected the Edible Schoolyard and immediately began working to improve the area.

With the help of several younger Boy Scouts from the Farmville Troop 6516 — several of whom attend Prince Edward Middle School — Garrett has built a walkway through the Edible Schoolyard, painted the garden boxes and restructured the aquaponics system. This transformation has been hugely beneficial to the middle school students, who are now able to better enjoy the space.

Garrett’s community service efforts exemplify the Prince Edward County Public Schools motto of “United in Excellence.” By bringing Farmville Scouts together to improve the Edible Schoolyard, Garrett demonstrates leadership ability and a drive to help others that will prove immensely valuable in his future endeavors.