Eagle Scout soars in service to Community

A senior at Community High School, Brandon Adcock didn't get to spend much time in the new building, but that doesn't keep him from wanting to leave it a legacy. There are now nine picnic tables outside the cafeteria, the product of his school spirit -- and his Eagle Scout project.

"We'd just built the new Community High School and there wasn't much there -- just some grass and weeds," said Brandon. "We've never had the privilege of eating outside at Community and I always wanted to. This just seemed like something I needed to do."

He's been a Scout for 12 years now, starting as a Cub Scout when he was only 6, even though sometimes there wasn't a pack or den leader for his age group. In fact, for a couple of years, Brandon, the only Scout in his age group, found himself having to attend meetings with boys a year older or a year younger than he.

Brandon joined Cub Scout Pack 476 in Unionville as a Tiger Cub in 1998, and achieved ranks of Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelo. He also received the Arrow of Light, Cub Scouting's highest award.

Brandon joined Boy Scout Troop 699 in 2003 and achieved the ranks of Boy Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. He has served as Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Scribe in his scout troop.

In 2006, Brandon was nominated by his peers to join the Order of the Arrow as an Ordeal Member. The Order of the Arrow is a special Honor Society of the Boy Scouts into which you have to be nominated. The following year, Brandon became a Brotherhood member.

"Brandon always wanted to go to the meetings," said his mother, Colleen. "He never wanted to miss one."

One of the draws Scouting has held for him has been the community service aspect, and between helping other Eagles on their projects and working with his troop on even more, he's been able to fulfill that need. But he's also gotten a lot out of doing his own Eagle project.

"I learned how to delegate," said Brandon.

Delegating may have been new, but the teamwork required to coordinate an Eagle Scout project is something Brandon has fine-tuned over the years. He is also is very active outside of Boy Scouts. A member of Hickory Hill United Methodist Church, Brandon is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Fellowship of Christian Students, and the Drama Club. He was voted "Most Courteous" Senior Superlative by his classmates and was selected by his teachers to receive the DAR Good Citizen award.

Brandon has been a Homecoming attendant for two years, and was voted Homecoming King in his senior year.

He is a member of the International Thespian Society and has been active in the Community Drama Department for six years. He has performed in nine productions at Community's Smokestack Theater, including the upcoming "God's Favorite" and in the role of The Cowardly Lion in the recent production of "The Wizard of Oz."

"I injured myself and had to have physical therapy," he said.

That injury may have a life-changing impact on the young man, who is still narrowing down his college options.

"I've been thinking about going into physical therapy," he said. "But when I toured Arnold Air Force Base -- I'm still pretty interested in engineering, too."

Based on his track record as a Scout, Brandon should succeed at whatever career he chooses.