County Spotlight
Every year, Boy Scouts across the country are involved with projects to benefit their communities. Along with this hard work, the scouts not only gain valuable experience, but they raise their status, eventually topping off with the Eagle ranking. Among them is Ryan Nolley, a rising senior from Rustburg High School, who recently completed a rather impressive heirloom orchard at Long Mountain Park, located on Bear Creek Road in Rustburg.
Not only is the project impressive, but so is the process in which Ryan had to complete in order to achieve Eagle status. In order to accomplish this prestigious ranking, Ryan had to earn 21 merit badges and a half-dozen ranks along the way. Ryan had to prove himself worthy by displaying skills in topics such as communication, science, basic first aid, camping and survival tactics, as well as art, cooking and emergency preparedness.
“I try to be an organized person, but it [the project] takes the next level of organization and time management for an Eagle project,” notes Ryan. “You can’t just plan your Eagle project and then wait for it to happen; it has to be something you’re committed to do. It’s the culmination of Scouting, so it’s not something that someone can take lightly. It was also difficult for me to ask for money – I prefer being behind the spotlight, not in it - so I learned a great deal about approaching people to help fundraise for my cause."
Campbell County Recreation Department Director, Mary H. Pascale stated Ryan’s project has further enhanced the beauty of the community park.
“It’s the details and final touches that these Eagle Scout projects add to the overall aesthetic of the park,” Pascale said. “A lot of that is due to what young men like Ryan have worked with local leaders to create. The park is more attractive and their handiwork is something that Campbell County can be quite proud of for years to come. This is not just a collection of apple trees; this is a real legacy. ”
Supervisor Eddie Gunter (Concord District), decided it was time to publicly recognize the many Eagle Scout projects around the County, which have been funded by the scouts themselves with the help of community donations. They cost the taxpayers nothing, but greatly improve public spaces.
“It is inspiring to see young people like Ryan taking action to support and beautify the Campbell County community. This project represents a desire to preserve for future generations our natural history while providing park visitors with a practical example of our County’s agricultural heritage,” said Supervisor Eddie Gunter. “I am very proud of Ryan’s leadership in this endeavor and commend him on this outstanding work.”
On May 16, 2018, Ryan Nolley, defended his Eagle Scout project at his Board of Review, and became the status he is so deserving of. At his upcoming Court of Honor, Ryan will be decorated with a legacy medal – the Eagle Scout medal that belonged to his grandfather, Dr. George E. Nolley, former Superintendent of Campbell County Public Schools, who regrettably passed in 2014, but was a driving force in Ryan’s love of Scouting.
“I’m both honored and excited to reach this rank in my scouting career and to wear my Grandfather’s medal. I know he would be proud of the project, but I believe he would be more proud of the relationships I have made along the way. That is the true sign of a successful project – seeing the community come together to enjoy it.”
Pictured to the right: Campbell County Recreation Department Director, Mary H. Pascale, Ryan Nolley and seated, Supervisor Eddie Gunter (Concord District) in front of Ryan's Eagle Scout project at Long Mountain Park in Rustburg, VA.