Scout Takes Long Step Toward Eagle Rank
Jason Mejia has finally finished scraping, priming and painting 149 benches at his former junior high school in hopes of earning the Eagle Scout rank.
Mejia, 17, called it a relief to complete his project after spending about 200 hours planning and carrying out the work at South Junior High School in Anaheim.
Mejia, who is finishing his junior year at Troy High School in Fullerton, must now submit his project to local and national Scouting officials for approval.
Mejia also enlisted the help of about 30 friends, fellow Scouts and parents.
In May, Mejia held a car wash and raised $250 to buy paint and supplies. But the supplies cost nearly $500, so he borrowed the remainder from his parents. Mejia plans to hold another fund-raiser to repay the loan.
Mejia said he wanted to restore South’s amphitheater benches as a way to give back to the school.
“The teachers and administration had helped me a lot and taught me some lessons I won’t ever forget,” he said.
Mejia, a member of Anaheim Troop 110, has earned 48 merit badges.
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