Casey Drayton can cross off Eagle Scout on his list of life goals.
A Boy Scout for 10 years, Drayton, 16, received the honor of Eagle Scout during his Court-Of-Honor last June.
State Senator Deborah Cherry was a guest at the ceremony and awarded Drayton, an Ortonville resident, with a special tribute plaque signed by Governor Jennifer Granholm, Lt. Governor John Cherry Jr. and State Representative James Marleau.
‘When Casey got that plaque, I was so proud,? said Kim Drayton, Casey’s mother. ‘It was just nice to know that the government appreciates everything that Casey does.?
Which is a lot.
The highest rank in Boy Scouts required Drayton to complete an intense project.
Drayton found his project at the Oakland Science Math Technology Center in Clarkston.
‘I took a few classes at OSMTech, so when my old science teacher, Mike Olsen, came to me with a project idea, I wanted to help,? said Drayton.
Drayton, with the assistance of multiple scouting families and volunteers, worked for 125 hours, creating nature trails, trail signs, as well as an outdoor classroom behind Clarkston High School. The project also included handmade benches for resting during nature hikes.
‘I had never made a bench before, so I didn’t really know how,? said Drayton. ‘I just looked at other benches and did my best.?
The entire project took nearly a year to complete. With the finalization of his project and the realization of his new rank, Drayton has a lot to be proud of.
‘Making Eagle Scout has always been a life goal,? said Drayton. ‘When I finally made it, I just felt pride.?