Preston Aarhus to be recognized at Eagle Scout Court of Honor by Boys Scouts of America
An abandoned playground in Vancouver has been revitalized, and the 15-year-old who led the project has earned the highest advancement for the Boys Scouts of America.
Preston Aarhus of Salmon Creek will be recognized during his Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Saturday.
As a member of Hillcrest Church’s Troop 393, Aarhus is one of only 4 percent of all scouts nationwide to attain the rank of Eagle Scout.
In his Eagle Scout project, Aarhus revitalized an abandoned playground behind the church. He repaired playground equipment and picnic tables, replaced four park benches, removed a field of weeds covering the playground area, and replaced 45 yards of cedar chips.
“I grew up in this church and used to play in this playground,” Aarhus said in a press release announcing his Eagle Scout status. “I have a lot of good memories here. It made me sad that it was neglected and wasn’t being used anymore. I wanted to bring it back to life so others could enjoy it like I did.”
The playground, on the church campus located at 14410 NW 21st Ave in Vancouver, is now used daily by the local neighborhood, the church, and numerous community groups.
Aarhus is a member at Hillcrest Church and attends youth group there. He plays piano and is working toward earning his black belt in Kajekenbo. Preston has three older siblings and is the son of John and Kristen Aarhus.
Also read:
- Camas, Union senior stars ready for playoff push in their final high school basketball seasons
Ethan Harris and Brooklynn Haywood lead Camas and Union into the Class 4A bi-district playoffs with state tournament berths on the line. - Letter: ‘Are we being punked?’
Anna Miller questions the Clark County Council’s authority to pass a resolution on ICE and urges members to focus on core county responsibilities. - U.S. Ed Dept. investigates Puyallup wrestler’s sexual assault allegation by trans athlete
The U.S. Department of Education is investigating the Puyallup School District over its handling of a sexual assault allegation involving wrestler Kallie Keeler. - Letter: ‘People who have entered illegally must face the consequences of their actions’
Vancouver resident Debra Kalz argues the County Council should not pass immigration-related resolutions and says laws must be followed or changed through proper channels. - The Enspire Extravaganza: Advancing art and community engagement for a brighter future
Enspire Arts brings more than 150 local artists to the Joyce Garver Theater in Camas on Feb. 28, featuring student ambassadors and a world premiere by composer Nicole Buetti. - Opinion: IBR’s systematic disinformation campaign, its demise
Neighbors for a Better Crossing challenges IBR’s seismic claims and promotes a reuse-and-tunnel alternative they say would save billions at the I-5 crossing. - Letter: ‘Our forefathers warned us to assemble when government rules over We The People’
La Center resident Kimberlee Goheen Elbon criticizes the County Council’s handling of immigration-related meetings and urges residents to assemble and speak out.
wpDiscuz
