From building playgrounds that spark children’s joy to preserving Civil War history, some remarkable young leaders have left a mark on Rutherford County through each of their journeys to Eagle Scout rank over the past year.
The Trail of Tears District of Scouting America announces these outstanding youth have not only achieved Scouting’s highest honor but have collectively invested 1,760 hours in transforming our community. Their service projects, ranging from international military support to local environmental conservation, demonstrate the impact young people can have when guided by the values of leadership, service and civic responsibility. Each of these new Eagle Scouts has written their own chapter in a legacy of excellence, completing extensive leadership training and earning at least 21 merit badges while developing projects that will benefit their neighbors for years to come.
Earning Eagle Scout Achievements in 2024:
Nathaniel Adam Rinehart [top] of Troop 1180, chartered by Shepherd’s Rise, has attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Nathaniel’s project focused on improving the Davis-Thomas Cemetery, contributing over 87 service hours to preserve this historic site. Nathaniel is the son of Josh and Dana Rinehart; his father, Josh, serves as Scoutmaster.
Nathan Spurgeon, a senior at Stewarts Creek High School and member of Troop 3200, sponsored by the Lions Club, has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. The son of Chris and April Spurgeon, Nathan completed his Eagle project at Life Lift Church, where he coordinated the refurbishment of playground equipment, including restoration of wooden play structures and ground improvements. Under Scoutmaster Michael Grove’s guidance, Nathan’s project provided 183 service hours to his community.
Joseph Piel of Troop 197 has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. A junior at Providence Christian Academy and son of Robbie and Catherine Piel, Joseph organized a “Shepherd’s Closet” clothing and toy drive benefiting Fellow Church Murfreesboro during Christmas 2023. Under Scoutmaster Charles Hazlett’s leadership, his project contributed 198 service hours to the community.
David Andrew Ker, son of Erik Ker and Danni Clark, has earned Scouting’s highest rank as a member of Troop 197. Under Scoutmaster Charles Hazlett’s guidance at Fellowship United Methodist Church, David designed and installed a fire pit and paver area benefiting Branches. His project encompassed 225 service hours.
Lincoln Thomas Tune of Troop 441 has achieved the Eagle Scout rank. A senior at Rockvale High School and son of Jonathan and Christina Tune, Lincoln constructed a gaga ball pit and completed grounds improvements at Turning Point Church. Under Scoutmaster Adam Holt’s leadership, his project provided 175 service hours of community service.
Marina Rooley, representing Troops 2019 and 497, has earned the Eagle Scout rank. The Rockvale Middle School student and daughter of Karrie and James Rooley created a sustainable vegetable garden for Greenhouse Ministries, constructing and renovating garden beds to support the faith-based organization’s food pantry. Multiple Scoutmasters, including Jacki Neal, Melissa Lyle, Mindi Bell, Kali Alonzo and Kevin Phillips, mentored Marina through her 126-hour service project.
George Moisant of Troop 1108 has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Now a freshman at Mississippi State University and 2024 graduate of Oakland High School, George created a historical photo display at Oakland High School. Each table is assigned a decade from 1970 through 2010 with pictures throughout each decade displayed underneath a piece of plexiglass. The son of George and Katie Moisant, he completed 100 service hours under Scoutmaster David Kirkham’s guidance.
Kyle Rainey, a senior at Rockvale High School and member of Troop 320 in Rockvale, has achieved the Eagle Scout rank. The son of Keith and Kimberly Rainey, Kyle designed and constructed a greeting card holder for the USO Deployment Center in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Under Scoutmaster Thomas Boeh’s leadership, Kyle’s international service project contributed 52 hours to supporting military families.
Jude Bell of Troop 374 has earned Scouting’s highest rank. A sophomore at Siegel High School and son of Shawn and Debby Bell, Jude restored a section of Stones River Park to its Civil War-era appearance by removing invasive species. Under Scoutmaster Dan Shafer’s guidance, his historical preservation project provided 193 service hours.
DJ Richards, currently a freshman at Motlow State Community College, achieved the Eagle Scout rank as a member of Troop 1380. The son of Dennis and Charlene Richards constructed a Little Free Library at Smyrna First United Methodist Church. Under Scoutmaster Chad Young’s leadership, DJ’s literacy promotion project contributed 172 service hours to the community.
Ethan Rushton of Troop 106 has achieved Scouting’s highest honor. A senior at Central Magnet High School and son of Greg and Tricia Rushton, Ethan enhanced his school’s courtyard by constructing benches and planters. Under Scoutmaster Gil Caban’s guidance, his project provided 113 hours of service.
Also earning the rank of Eagle Scout is Christian Laflamme, representing Troop 422, chartered by Smyrna VFW 8422. Christian, a Smyrna High School student and the son of Tim and Heather Laflamme, constructed a gaga ball pit for his alma mater, John Coleman Elementary School. Under Scoutmaster Scott Peebles’ leadership, Christian’s project contributed 136 service hours to youth recreation.
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The Eagle Scout rank is the highest achievement and rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program. Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this prestigious rank after a lengthy review process. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Scout Oath and Law, service, and developing and leading a community improvement project. For more information on scouting in Rutherford County, contact the Trail of Tears District of Scouting USA at info@totscouting.org.
