Local scouts grab big honors, complete Stray Hearts project
A trio of local scouts earned high recognition and completed local projects as part of their training and education.
Aydin Gates, an Eagle Scout, has earned the prestigious “National Medal for Outdoor Achievement.”
The achievement is the highest recognition that a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout or Venturer can earn for “exemplary achievement, experience and skill in multiple areas of outdoor endeavor.”
Gates is approximately the 200th person to receive this award since it began in 2010. According to The Boy Scouts of America, on average, about 30 Boy Scouts each year receive the award. In addition, the organization believes Gates is the first in New Mexico to earn the distinction.
An “Eagle Scout Court of Honor” award ceremony is scheduled to take place Dec. 17 at his family’s home in Taos.
Meanwhile, Ryan Himes, of Taos, has recently completed his Eagle Scout project at Stray Hearts Animal Shelter. It was a requirement to earn the Eagle Scout rank.
The Eagle Scout rank is among the highest ranks one can earn in scouting and is a very prestigious honor to acquire.
“The guidelines for an Eagle project state that I must show leadership in my service project for a nonprofit organization. I must also plan the project from start to finish and ensure that my project will be sustainable for years to come for the beneficiary,” Himes said.
Himes, from Troop 98, is a junior at Taos Academy.
He worked on the project with Taylor Tomashot, who is working toward her “Gold Award” in the Girl Scouts. The two helped to build two shade shelters for the dogs at Stray Hearts, allowing the dogs to play in the yards while being protected from the elements.
“This project couldn’t have been possible without the very generous donations from SLV Building Components, Randall Lumber, Rio Grande Ace Hardware, George’s Woodworks, AMZ Sign & Print, Cecil Martinez and Habitat for Humanity ReStore,” said Himes. “There were many volunteers that helped with building the project, too.”
